We are appalled that the British government has invited this dictator to meet the British Prime Minister on June 20.
The Thai military junta has banned political activity and public gatherings, made peaceful expression subject to criminal prosecution, censored the mainstream media and online social media, conducted hundreds of arbitrary arrests and detained civilians in military detention camps. Hundreds of civilians continue to face lengthy and unfair trials before military courts. In addition to this, the junta has increased the use of the draconian lèse-majesté law against anyone accused of criticising the monarchy. Since the 2014 military coup, nearly 70 people have been charged under this law for posting or sharing comments online. Trials in lèse-majesté cases are held behind closed doors.
Dozens of human rights defenders, more than 100 pro-democracy activists and others, are currently being investigated and prosecuted under authoritarian laws and decrees.
There has been no justice for past human rights violations, such as the 2010 dispersal of street protests. More than 90 people were killed and nearly 1,900 were wounded in the military crackdown on peaceful pro-democracy rallies. During this military crackdown, Gen. Prayuth was army chief. Abuses by soldiers took place in full view of the Thai public and the World’s media. Not one soldier or official has been held accountable for the 2010 state violence.
We are further concerned about UK weapons exports to Thailand and disappointed that the British government fails to put human rights and democracy first and ban the selling of arms to undemocratic and repressive regimes.
Thailand Human Rights Campaign UK (UK)
Stiftung Asienhaus (Germany)
Thai Pro-Democracy Group in UK (UK)
20th June 2018
