Responding to news that the Thai authorities have ordered a ban on gatherings of five or more people in Bangkok and on sharing information that \u201ccould create fear\u201d, Amnesty International\u2019s Deputy Regional Director for Campaigns, Ming Yu Hah, said: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis vague, drastic order will lead to more people unfairly arrested, detained and prosecuted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith further public assemblies expected to happen today, we urge the Thai authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with the protesters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe scale of today\u2019s early morning arrests seems completely unjustified based on yesterday\u2019s events. The assemblies were overwhelmingly peaceful. These moves are clearly designed to stamp out dissent, and sow fear in anyone who sympathizes with the protesters\u2019 views. Peaceful protesters must be released immediately and unconditionally, and all those detained must have access to legal counsel. <\/p>\n\n\n
“Instead of ruling by decree and mass arrests, the Thai authorities must reverse course.”<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n
\u201cThese arrests and sudden emergency measures, announced in the middle of the night, are just the latest escalation in Thailand\u2019s current onslaught on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInstead of ruling by decree and mass arrests, the Thai authorities must reverse course. They must comply with their international obligations to respect the rights of anyone who simply wishes to peacefully speak their mind, on social media or in the streets.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Background<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
On 15 October 2020, the Thai authorities ordered an indefinite ban on gatherings of five or more people in Bangkok, the capital, under emergency measures to stop escalating protests. The ban took effect at 4am local time. The order also bans the publication of news or online messages that \u201ccould create fear\u201d, affect national security or damage public morale. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to news reports<\/a>, at least 20 people were arrested in the early hours for allegedly violating the state of emergency in place since May 2020 to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Amnesty International urged<\/a> the authorities at the time not to use this state of emergency to violate human rights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At least 21 people were arrested earlier this week for attending demonstrations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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