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EU criticism of Thailand 'misguided', says junta
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In this Sept. 14 photo, a soldier stands guard as he orders students from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University to crawl on their stomachs through muddy jungle paths during a three-day boot camp ordered as punishment for a hazing incident in Nakhon Nayok province, Thailand. In military-ruled Thailand there is a new method for teaching discipline known as "attitude adjustment," which until now has been used to silence government critics. But there are signs that the mentality of military rule is creeping into civilian issues - like college discipline. (AP/Sakchai Lalit) (AP/Sakchai Lalit)
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span class="caption">In this Sept. 14 photo, a soldier stands guard as he orders students from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University to crawl on their stomachs through muddy jungle paths during a three-day boot camp ordered as punishment for a hazing incident in Nakhon Nayok province, Thailand. In military-ruled Thailand there is a new method for teaching discipline known as "attitude adjustment," which until now has been used to silence government critics. But there are signs that the mentality of military rule is creeping into civilian issues - like college discipline. (AP/Sakchai Lalit)
Thailand has voiced disappointment over the European parliament's damning resolution on human rights in the kingdom, saying it did not reflect the reality of the ground.
The resolution did not reflect a clear understanding of the situation and developments in Thailand and the government's efforts to protect and promote human rights, Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said.
'Thailand respects and is committed to its international obligations on human rights and it clings onto the road map towards an election,' he said.
On Thursday the European parliament adopted a non-binding resolution by 581 votes to 35, with 35 abstentions, to express its concern at the 'deteriorating human rights situation in Thailand following the illegal coup of May 2014'.
It urged the government to lift repressive restrictions on the right to liberty and the peaceful exercise of other human rights.
It called on the authorities to overturn convictions and sentences, withdraw charges and release individuals and media operators who have been sentenced or charged for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression or assembly.
The European parliament also urged the authorities to abolish the death penalty and asked the European External Action Service and the EU Delegation to use all available instruments to ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law in Thailand, in particular by continuing to observe investigations and trials of opposition leaders.
Sek said Thailand was ready to listen to constructive recommendations based on accurate information and it would cooperate with the EU in all aspects and levels. Thailand would fully work as a coordinator between Asean and the EU in order to have closer relations for the mutual benefit of the two regions.
The EU strongly criticized Thailand after the military coup in May last year and prohibited high-level engagement with the government until democracy is restored in the country.
The junta, or National Council for Peace and Order, imposed restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly over the past year.
Journalists, activists and politicians were arrested or summoned to 'adjust their attitude' after criticizing the junta and the government. (k)(++++)
