The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) has urged the international community to pressure the Thai military to return to the barracks.
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) has urged the international community to pressure the Thai military to return to the barracks.
On 22 May, at approximately 5.00pm, Thai Army Commander-in-Chief Prayuth Chan-ocha announced that the military was taking control of the government “In the interest of national security.” The coup d’état, Thailand’s 12th since 1932, took place only two days after the Thai Army engaged in what some thought was already a coup when it illegally declared martial law.
“The military’s seizure of power has become routine and a sad reality of Thai politics. Two days after it publicly declared that it was not going to stage a coup, the military seized power and plunged Thailand into a deeper political crisis,” said FIDH President Karim Lahidji.
“All political parties and protest groups must show a sense of responsibility and unite to achieve a negotiated solution that will restore democratic processes and institutions as quickly as possible,” Mr. Lahidji added.
FIDH urges the international community to pressure the Thai military to return to the barracks and to express their full support for a quick political solution within a democratic framework and the fundamental principles of international law.