Rights groups push back on Thai leader’s martial law move

Thailand’s military-installed prime minister said Tuesday he plans to lift martial law 10 months after staging a coup, but will invoke a special security measure that critics say is more draconian. The development has sparked concern from human rights groups, lawyers, political parties and scholars who say the measure, Article 44 of a junta-imposed interim constitution, gives Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha unchecked authority over all three branches of government.

Article 44 violates the fundamental pillars of the rule of law and human rights, including equality, accountability, and predictability.

Wilder Tayler, International Commission of Jurists secretary general

Thai media have referred to Article 44 as “the dictator law.” Under a similar law in the 1960s, a Thai dictator carried out summary executions. The measure gives Prayuth power over all aspects of government, law and order, and absolves him of any legal responsibility for his actions.

Don’t worry. If you’re not doing anything wrong, there’s no need to be afraid.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha

Asia-Pacific martial law