Whether the political campaigns are on the internet (social medias, online-campaigns) or not, politician should be free to run their campaigns.
The maintaining of restrictions, imposed by the military government, demonstrates that the upcoming election is not “free and fair”, and fail to meet international standards, because of the suppression of freedom of expression and political freedoms.
A free and fair election is not only determined by what happens on the election day, but it is also important to consider the level of liberty and freedom before people vote. Currently, most political parties are allowed to function their political duties and activities. Political parties should be able to freely communicate with their members and supporters.
It has been observed that the supporters of the military have been able to enjoy more liberty and freedom to make their political move. There is not an equal playing filed in Thai politics under the military government.
Indeed, a high level of control, imposing on online-political campaigns, reflects the military’s concerns about young voices, who normally oppose the military rule.
It is time for Thais to question and raise their concerns over the ongoing suppressions of freedom of expressions, and its implication on the future of democracy in Thailand.
With respect to the legal charges against Mr Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit with online offences, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) demonstrates that fear and intimidations remains a crucial political tactics for the military. The NCPO has been implementing all of the available legal tools to suppress their political oppositions, in order to prevent criticism on themselves. The NCPO cannot claim that they are not politicians, so that they should not be criticised on the same grounds, because their role is now functioning within the Thai political realm.
It is important for the NCPO to eliminate all of the political restrictions, imposing on their political opponents. At this stage, it is important for politicians and political parties to be able to enjoy the very same liberty and freedom within the Thai political landscape. So that Thai people can properly have a chance to know their potential candidates.
