Army chief orders subordinates to exercise Section 44 carefully

BANGKOK, April 2 (TNA) - As Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha, who is also Chief of the army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), has imposed Section 44 of Thailand's Provisional Constitution, instead of the martial law, taking effect on April 1, Army Chief General Udomdej Sitabutr, says that he has ordered forces under his supervision to study the content of Section 44 and exercise it carefully, expressing his hope that the international community should understand its imposition. General Udomdej, who is also Deputy Defence Minister, stressed that security authorities will exercise Section 44 appropriately to ensure national order. General Udomdej explained that Section 44 is not stronger than the martial law, but it guarantees the clear and appropriate exercise of power. The army chief also revealed that Section 44 includes the internationally-recognized extents of fines and imprisonment and those affected by it can appeal against authorities who exercise it. The Thai army chief assured that authorities will exercise Section 44 only when it is necessary, adding that three-stage trial by the Military Court, the Military Court of Appeal and the Military Supreme Court is part of Section 44 and that better complies with international practices. The army chief noted that the military courts will handle only cases concerning national security and will not limit the freedom of the press. According to the army chief, he has told peacekeeping forces of regional army commands to study details of the prime minister's orders issued under Section 44 and take actions carefully. The interim Thai government announced on Wednesday night His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's approval of the revocation of the martial law, followed by the prime minister's order to enforce Section 44 instead. (TNA)