Former minister sets up anti-coup organization
Charupong Ruangsuwan, former minister and former leader of the former government party Pheu Thai, announced the establishment of the Organization of Free Thais for Human Rights and Democracy yesterday. The military junta immediately responded to the initiative; she has asked the international community not to support the movement.
It was no coincidence that the announcement in a video clip on YouTube took place yesterday, because on May 24, 1932, the absolute monarchy in Thailand was replaced by a constitutional monarchy. The name 'Free Thais', in Thai Serial Thai, is derived from the resistance movement of the same name against the Japanese in World War II. The name immediately provoked criticism.
Sulak Sivarak, always described by the newspaper as a 'prominent social critic', accuses Surapong of abusing the ideals of Seri Thai. He points out that Charupong is a good acquaintance of former Prime Minister Thaksin. Thaksin was an admirer of former Prime Minister Pridi Banomyong, a core member of the Seri Thai movement. "But what Thaksin has done differs from Pridi, who was dedicated to 'the good of the nation and humanity.'"
The aim of the organization in exile is to unite dissidents in cooperation with foreign countries and to fight for the return of democracy. Charupong accuses the NCPO of "violating the rule of law, abuse of democratic principles and undermining rights, freedoms and human dignity."
NCPO spokesman Winthai Suvaree calls the organization "inappropriate in the current circumstances." He says most countries would not tolerate such an organization on their territory because it could lead to unrest within their own borders.
Former government party Pheu Thai distances itself from Charupong's initiative. "Charupon's move is personal and has nothing to do with the party," said PT core member Chavalit Vichayasut.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is trying to find out from where the organization operates. It is said to be a Scandinavian country.
(Source: Bangkok Post, June 25, 2014)
I support , too crazy for words that democracy has been so wiped out , fair elections first !