PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha today (Nov. 26) explained that he is not imposing Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lese majeste law, as urged by prominent Thai social activist and writer Sulak Sivaraksa to not do so pointing out that there are multiple processes enforcing it, Thai Rath newspaper report.
Sulak, who is now 88 years old, said on stage at the People’s Party rally in front of Siam Commercial Bank yesterday that the Prime Minister should not use Section 112.
However Gen. Prayut pointed out that prosecution under Section 112 is a matter for the police to handle based on available information with the government also not having the power to block the judiciary process.
He added that police have to enforce all laws and if they skip Section 112 then they would be violating Section 157.
However at the Police Service Commission meeting today Gen. Prayut urged police to carefully enforce laws and avoid clashes at rallies.
He also urged the media to help support the police by presenting good photos of them and not just while engaged in clashes. Negative projection may lead to misunderstanding both locally and internationally, he added.
CAPTION:
Top: Sulak Sivaraksa flanked by Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, left, and the party’s secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul. Photo: Thai Rath
