ID :
361864
Tue, 03/31/2015 - 13:26
Auther :

Thai PM seeks King's approval to end martial law

BANGKOK, March 31 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha says that he has already sought a royal approval of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej to end the imposition of the martial law and to enforce Section 44 of the Provisional Constitution instead. Prime Minister General Prayut, who is also Chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), told journalists of the update on Tuesday, after the Cabinet's weekly meeting. The prime minister noted that the drafting of an official order for the exercise of Section 44 has been completed and his government is waiting for a good timing for its announcement. The prime minister assured that his interim administration will constructively apply Section 44 to take care of national security, assessing that Section 44, which is comprehensive, should solve problems better than the martial law. According to the prime minister, the detention of individuals with different stances, under Section 44, would not be extended and without a criminal offence they would be released in seven days, while the government would focus on creating understanding with them. The prime minister noted that the military court would continue to handle cases of wrongdoers but trials would be done in three stages, instead of one, referring to the Military Court, the Military Court of Appeals and the Military Supreme Court, insisting that he made the decision to solve national problems. Meanwhile, National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Anusit Kunakorn told reporters that the replacement of the martial law is aimed at overcoming obstacles, expressing his confidence that the prime minister will not abuse authority under Section 44. (TNA)

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