ADN Expresses Deep Concern in the Military Ruler Prayut Chan-o-cha’s Participation in ASEAN-Korea Summit and Demands for a Speedy Restoration of the Rule of Law, Democracy, and the Protection of Basic Human Rights in Thailand
December 11, 2014 – The Asia Democracy Network (ADN) expresses grave concern over the participation of military ruler of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha’s, in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Korea Commemorative Summit to be held in Busan, Korea from December 11-12, 2014.
Since the Military coup in May 22, 2014 in Thailand, democracy has been greatly compromised. The military government in Thailand has not sufficiently displayed efforts in restoring democratic principles. Importantly, free and fair elections are indefinitely not foreseen in the future as the military government is not showing any signs of holding them in the near future.
As a consequence of the deteriorating democracy and human rights situation, Thailand has been suspended from the Community of Democracies and failed to be elected to the UN Human Rights Council this year.
We strongly urge again that the military government withdraw Martial Law and repeal the repressive orders and return to a democratically-elected civilian government and stop gross basic human rights violations in particular, freedom of expression and freedom of association and assembly under Lese Majeste.
We also strongly urge both the Korean government and the ASEAN in cooperation with the international community, especially the United Nations and Community of Democracies to exercise their diplomatic means for a speedy restoration of the rule of law, democracy, and the protection of basic human rights in Thailand.
Asia Democracy Network
Secretary General
Mr. Hyung-sik Shin, Member / Korea Democracy Network
ADN Co-Conveners:
Ms. Nimalka Fernando, Board Member / People’s SAARC
Ms. Melinda De Jesus, Board Member / SEAPA
Mr. Anselmo Lee, Member / Korea Democracy Network
