Emergency Decree Drawing Criticism After Extending Again

After last Friday’s arrest of two Bangkok activists protesting the Emergency Decree extension, authorities still say that the move to extend the curfew until the end of June is simply to save lives.

Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said the decree was enforced because it enabled more than 40 laws to be tied together to allow for quick enforcement at the national level. He says this helps the government address the crisis more efficiently.

Government spokesperson Narumon Pinyosinwat also dismissed “illogical” claims that the state of emergency was being extended so PM Prayut Chan-o-cha could tighten his hold on power.

But non-profit organisation iLaw says the government should use other avenues to control the situation, such as the Contagious Disease Control Act, to stop people from gathering in large groups publicly and close high-risk establishments. iLaw points to this law being less restrictive than the Emergency Decree.

The panel chaired by the National Security Council’s secretary-general will discuss easing lockdown measures today as part of the third phase of easing lockdown measures including curfew times. The third phase of easing measures is thought to begin on June 1.

The meeting’s resolution will be proposed to the CCSA on tomorrow with third phase guidelines expected to be announced Saturday.

 

SOURCE: Nation Thailand

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