Thailand Security Briefing
In the month of February, security incidents included demonstrations and crime-related incidents that left many wounded. The Phonlamuang To Klap, resistance group held a protest in front of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. This anti-government group held a mock election as a remembrance of the last year’s election. The rally led to their arrest, but soon after, the members of the group were released on bail. Police are actively discouraging any activity that violates the conditions of martial law in an effort to maintain peace and order in the country (Bangkok Post).
Narathiwat continues to face regular attacks and bombings in the area. The latest attack consisted of a bomb that critically injured at least 17 people and severely damaged the surrounding area. The bomb was planted in a stolen pickup truck and left outside a restaurant in the center of Muang Narathiwat. Police are now searching for eight suspects related to the crime along with additional members of the insurgent group responsible. It is suspected that the attack was meant to discourage civilians from participating in any negotiations with the Thai authorities (Bangkok Post).
Another bomb attack also occurred in Yala. The bomb was believed to have been intended for Army Chief General Udomdej Sitabutr, but exploded before the general arrived in the area. General Udomdej visited the southern region to help establish policies that will hopefully lead to the restoration of peace in the southern border region, including a plan to utilize more mobile check points. The aim is to maintain security and peace in the area by implementing educational and training courses (Bangkok Post).
February also saw the most incidents of insurgent-related violence with the killing of 10 people and wounding of 27 others. The violence seen in Pattani’s Yarang District is suggested to be intended to bring awareness of the alleged violations of human rights and unlawful judicial practices. Protestors have been staging rallies in this manner in order to bring this issue to the international community (Bangkok Post).
Focus on Thai Politics
This month marks the ninth anniversary of Thailand’s government under the new regime. The new government has tentative plans to hold elections in the months to come. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-Ocha has requested that the public refrain from any acts that would disturb the current state of peace and order. The Prime Minister will also be testifying over the deaths of the red-shirt protesters that occurred in 2010 during the military crackdown. The National Anti-Corruption Commission has identified the previous prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva and the previous deputy prime minister, Suthep Thaugsuban as those responsible for giving the orders to clear the protesters at the time. Prime Minister Prayut claims that those involved in controlling the protests acted in accordance with the law. Prime Minister Prayut has also been asked to compensate people for the political protests that took place 2013-2014. The People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) sent a letter to the government explaining the situation and reason for requesting compensation. In 2010, the families of the deceased involved in the 2010 protests received approximately 7 million baht under Yingluck’s government, but the PDRC has not asked for a specific amount to be paid to the families. Those who lost their lives during the protests opposed an amnesty that would forgive the conduct of the previous politicians. The PDCR claims that the protests were conducted in a peaceful manner and without weapons consistent with the constitution at the, and as a result, a claim for compensation is being demanded.
Highlights – Chairman’s Circle Conference The next Chairman’s Circle is scheduled for March 24, 2015. HDFF, along with the Asia Foundation, will be hosting the strategic forum on, “The Challenges of the ASEAN Political-Security Community 2015.” The forum will consist of our Keynote Speaker H.E. Lutfi Rauf, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Thailand along with our other panelists; Mr. Hernán A. Longo, Program Officer (Counter-Terrorism), UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific; Mr. Kavi Chongkittavorn, Chief Editor of The Nation, Thailand; and Dr. John Blaxland of the Australian National University.
Spotlight on ASEAN
The Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Capital: Naypyidaw
Population: 55 million
Official Languages: Burmese
ASEAN Status: Member, July 23, 1997
The country of Myanmar is located in the South East Asia bordered by Thailand, Laos, China, and Bangladesh. It was formerly known as Burma, but has now been established as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, with its most populous ethnic groups consisting of the Burmese, followed by the Shan, Karen, Rakhine, Chinese, and Indian. It is one of the founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) along with the other 10 countries. In the year 2014, Myanmar hosted the 2014 ASEAN Summit and has since undergone a series of economic and political reforms. As the ASEAN Chair, they developed the “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” theme in hopes that unification will allow for advancement in the global community. Their priorities as the Chair this past year focused on fulfilling the ASEAN Community tasks, promoting external relations, and creating a participatory environment for women, youth, media, and civil society.
Currently, Myanmar faces many internal problems such as a high number of displaced people, an underdeveloped economy, as well as corruption and political stagnation from its previous government. Historically, Burma was under the rule of the United Kingdom and gained independence in 1948, after which it came under military rule which lasted from 1962 until 2011. Military rule in the country led to widespread anti- government riots and the arrest of human rights and democracy advocates. SLORC (The State Law Order Restoration Council) declared martial law on the country and soon after NLD (National League Democracy) leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of Aung San, was put under house arrest in order to keep the military in power. Although the NLD won several elections, they were ignored by the military which refused to hand over power to the winning political party, resulting in a military government which lasted 20 years. The first election was held in November 2010 based on the newly written 2008 constitution and was followed by the release of Aung Suu Kyi a few days after. At the moment, the political situation of Myanmar is still stabilizing with the election win of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), but the governance of Myanmar remains under Thein Sein as president.
Aung San Suu Kyi has played a critical role in shaping the pro-democratic movement as the advocate leading the National League for Democracy (NLD). She is the daughter of General Aung San, known as an independence hero during Myanmar’s period of transition from British colony to independent nation. He was assassinated when she was 2 years old. She later went on to study at Oxford University, but came back to Myanmar just as the country was facing a new round of political turmoil. She was placed under house arrest for advocating peaceful democratic reforms and for pushing for free elections. She won the Noble Prize for Peace in 1991 for her political movements in Myanmar. Most recently, the movie The Lady was released In 2011 which tells the story of her call for democracy.
Human Development Training Center – Updates
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