My interview on the relaxation of the ban on political activities.
Although the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) allowed political activities to resume, this is not a return of political freedoms to the Thai people and political parties. We should not just focus on a partial political freedom, but we must stay focused on the Thai people’s political freedoms.
To a certain extent, the NCPO remaining in power is a sign that the upcoming election cannot be described as a free and fair with respect to the international standards. The NCPO can still utilise legal tools to dictate the election.
A ban on social networks political campaigning illustrates that the upcoming elections are not free and fair, because those restrictions undermines the ability of political parties to freely communicate with the people and their constituents.
Whilst the NCPO and its supporters are able to make their political moves, their opponents are closely monitored. It has been observed that the NCPO and the military government have been able to mobilise their popularity while the next election is under speculation.
The NCPO have partially granted political freedom but it is time to fully return political liberty and freedom to the Thai people.
It is important for people to be able to discuss politics within the remit of the law rather than under the control of the NCPO. Therefore, the NCPO should end its role in Thai politics. If the NCPO continues to remain active the legitimacy of the upcoming elections will be undermined and questioned by both the Thai people and the international community.
