Thailand's junta says political detainees well-treated, transfers justified

BANGKOK, May 25 (TNA) - Thailand’s ruling junta, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), has told the public the transfers of high-ranking officials, including top military and police posts, were justified under the current situation, saying it did not lessen the honour of the officials and their agencies. Deputy Army Spokesman Col. Winthai Suwaree quoted NCPO chief and Army Chief Prayuth Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha as saying he would like the public to show sympathy for the transferred and refrain from showing contempt and hatred towards them, because they are not regarded as having committed wrongdoings. Col. Winthai said Gen.Prayuth would also like to ask all to provide cooperation to those who become acting holders of the positions. Among this includes assigning the most senior deputy Police chief as acting national police chief, which the junta believes will create trust among members of the society. The deputy army spokesman meanwhile, defended the detention of political figures and activists by the military, saying they have been provided with good treatment and facilities. He claimed that many have been released soon after the coup was announced, but their detention period would vary but most likely not more than seven days as to give them time to think and calm the country. However, he said those under arrest warrants would face prosecution beginning this coming Monday. In related developments, the military has formally warned people not to join anti-coup street protests, saying normal democratic principles cannot be applied at the time. As troops continue to occupy Bangkok to prevent rallies, the military has justified the coup saying it had to act to avert violence and end half a year of political turmoil which left the country in shambles with crippled democratic institutions and violence. (TNA)