Three years after the coup that led the NCPO to power, human rights watchdogs have noted how the rights situation here continues to slip in all aspects, resulting in greater inequality, an atmosphere of fear, and severe social injustice. Sunai Phasuk, senior researcher on Thailand in Human Rights Watch’s Asia division, said the trend of human rights in Thailand is declining, as the government doesn’t truly respect rights principles, so there is more repression of those who oppose their moves and the NCPO exercises absolute power to rule the country. “It is clear that this government does not value basic human rights, as their actions such as forest reclamation operations and the setting up of special economic zones across the country violate people’s rights very severely,” Prayong said. Despite this, Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the government fully understands and respects human rights. “The human rights of all people are protected by the government, unless they violate the law.

Source: The Nation Bangkok May 21, 2017 18:00 UTC