Thai government to explain martial law revocation

BANGKOK, April 4 (TNA) - In an attempt to dispel confusion among foreign media and organisations on the recent revocation of the martial law and the enforcement of Section 44 of the Provisional Constitution instead, the interim Thai government and the army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), both headed by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha, will organise a press conference next week to explain the change to them. Government Spokesman Dr. Yongyuth Mayalarp told journalists on Saturday (Apr 4) that NCPO and the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing the interim government, will organise the press conference for representatives of foreign embassies, organisations and media stationing in Thailand on April 7 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok. At the press conference, the spokesman said, NCPO and government officials will provide proper information and explain to the foreign representatives and media on the matter to show the government and NCPO's sincerity in their goals in administering the country, while also providing safety to the public in moving Thailand forward toward the new general election under the democratic system in the near future. Section 44 of Thailand's Provisional Constitution has been invoked since April 1, replacing the martial law, which had been imposed since May 20, 2014, two days before the Thai military seized the administrative power. Section 44 gives the Thai military the power to deal with deeds considered threats to national security and lese majeste offences. (TNA)