King Adulyadej, UNGA and UNHRC urged not to
recognize the coup d'etat regime in Thailand

New Delhi: Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR), in its Briefing Paper “Thailand's coup d'etat: Time for interventions by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, UNGA and UNHRC” urged the international community not to recognize the military junta in Thailand.

“If the latest coup d'etat in Thailand is justified, similar military interventions in a situation of political flux such as in Mexico will also be justified. The coup d'etat in Thailand is a threat to democracy all over the world.” - Stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights.

ACHR also condemned the repressive measures taken by the military including detention of Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya and Supreme Commander Ruengroj Mahasaranont, Defence Minister General Thammarak Isarangkun and the pro-Thaksin television host Dusit Siriwan. Foreign news channels have been taken off the air while Thai televisions' news are being gagged.

“It is essential that His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej issues a public statement to ensure that the audience granted to the military junta yesterday is not mis-construed as supporting the coup” – stated Mr Chakma.

ACHR urged the ongoing 61^st sessions of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the 2^nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to invite Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to address the august bodies to send a clear message that the United Nations only recognizes civilian authorities in Thailand. The UNGA and UNHRC have been urged to hold “Special Debates on the situation in Thailand” and adopt appropriate resolutions for the restoration of democracy, press freedom and release of all the detainees.

International community especially the United States, European Union, ASEAN and all other democratic countries have been urged not to engage with the leaders of the coup d'etat and immediately impose sanctions against the military generals of Thailand including a visa ban and a freeze on assets of the members of the Administrative Regional Council and other senior members of the Thai Army and a ban on technical assistance, on financing and financial assistance related to military activities.