Pheu Thai MPs and a coalition of activists will petition the Civil Court to repeal the implementation of the emergency decree levied in Bangkok to deal with anti-government protests. They include Narinphong Jinaphak, president of the Thailand Lawyers’ Association, Pheu Thai MP for Nan Cholnan Srikaew, Jirayu Huangsap, Pheu Thai MP for Bangkok, and Thanawat Wongchai, a key member of the People Who Want Elections party. Mr. Narinphong said that it was unconstitutional and lacked reason to impose the emergency decree.
He stated the “Khana Ratsadorn” (the People’s Group) demonstrations were peaceful and in line with the law. He said those present had simply exercised the right to assembly as guaranteed by the constitution and there were specific time frames as to when the activities would end every day.
Dr Cholnan shared that the declaration of the state of emergency last Thursday was unconstitutional and that the word “extreme emergency situation” stated in the announcement also was unwarranted. He added that, pending a decision on whether to revoke the decree, the petitioners would now order the court to grant a provisional injunction to ban the government from using the emergency decree against protesters.
Dr. Cholnan also said that if the court rules that the state of emergency declaration is against the law, they will bring a complaint in the first place against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the cabinet for issuing it. Meanwhile, National Police Chief Pol Gen Suwat Jangyodsuk said police still have to analyze the situation on a regular basis on Monday, and crowd control officers have been advised to prevent heavy-handed action and provide security for both demonstrators and the public.
In addition to this, Pol Gen Suwat said that at this point, there was no need to step up law enforcement to deal with protesters, especially while relationships remain cordial enough for officers to interact directly with the groups. He also said that last Friday night, the dispersal of anti-government protestors near the Pathumwan intersection in Bangkok complied with international crowd control regulations and that the water sprayed from cannons did not contain a toxic chemical.
Related Article: https://www.theasianaffairs.com/thailand/2020/10/14/the-tension-over-the-clash-of-protest-arises/
