NCPO responds to Human Rights Watch

BANGKOK, June 19 (TNA) - The army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has denied the New York-based Human Rights Watch's allegation that it limits human rights and ruins democracy in Thailand. NCPO Spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree on Thursday dismissed the recent remarks of John Sifton, Asia Advocacy Director of Human Rights Watch (HRW). Colonel Winthai said the HRW comments that the NCPO limits people's rights and freedom belong to an outsider and is based on insufficient information about Thailand. Colonel Winthai, who is also a Royal Thai Army deputy spokesman, acknowledged that people appear to support the NCPO in immediately solving prolonged domestic problems which had caused a deadlock. The NCPO deputy spokesman insisted that democracy exists in Thailand, but the NCPO needs some times to strengthen it by, for example, stopping violence and casualties which had happened along with democratic demonstrations. Regarding control on public expressions, the NCPO deputy spokesman stated that most people appear to understand the necessity under the present circumstance and agree to sacrifice to support the NCPO's attempts to restore national peace and order. The NCPO deputy spokesman also denied a remark that "Returning Happiness to People" activities, run by the NCPO, are a propaganda, explaining that the activities serve people who want to take part in creating the atmosphere of national unity. Besides, there are symbolic activities which can trigger public participation, as well as national reconciliation and unity in the Thai society.(TNA)