NCPO denies suit targets Future Forward leaders

[webfact]

NCPO denies suit targets Future Forward leaders 

By JITRAPORN SENNAWONG  
THE NATION

 

Photo : Thanathorn//Prasert Thepsri

 

THE RULING National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) yesterday denied that a lawsuit being brought against Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Jungroongruangkit was another case of discrimination, as it reacted to widespread criticism of anti-junta parties being targeted ahead of the election next month.

 

Another anti-junta party, Thai Raksa Chart, last week faced legal action, which could lead to its dissolution. Future Forward leader Thanathorn will now face court next week. Thanathorn, along with two other party executives, have been accused of entering false information into the computer system after they criticised the junta on their online livestream “Return Friday to the People” – a parody on the Premier Prayut Chan-o-cha’s televised monologue “Return Happiness to the People” programme.

 

Future Forward made public on Wednesday night the lawsuit being brought against the party. They encouraged their supporters to show support through online posts with the hashtag #SaveThanathorn, as the party leader could be jailed on February 27 if ordered by the attorney general.

 

Numerous netizens viewed it as a mistreatment of the anti-junta camp and dubbed the lawsuit as another attempt by the junta to eliminate its rivals from the fray with the election only weeks away.

 

Thanathorn and his Future Forward Party are popular among young and progressive voters. Observers are also speculating that if Thai Raksa Chart Party were to be dissolved, some of their supporters could transfer their votes to Future Forward, seen as another pillar in the anti-junta camp. NCPO spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree insisted yesterday that due legal process was being followed. The NCPO has not done anything to expedite the procedure, he said. 

 

Thanathorn, Klaikong Vaidhyakarn and Charuwan Sarankate have been charged with violating the computer crime law, as they criticised the junta’s move to recruit former MPs of other parties to its party.

 

Winthai said the computer crime law is a normal law, and was not one created by the NCPO in order to attack a particular group of people. The spokesman also explained that Thanathorn and the two others had accused the Thai justice system of becoming a political tool. It was an act to undermine the justice system of the country, he said. 

 

Thanathorn yesterday took part in an election rally in Bangkok as usual and was welcomed warmly, especially by younger voters. He told reporters he had no worries about the lawsuit and remained high-spirited for the election rally. 

 

“If I really get jailed, other members in the party are more than ready to carry out the work and the election campaign,” Thanathorn said. “These include [deputy leader] Piyabutr Saengkanonkul and [spokesman] Pannika Wanich.”

 

Source: NCPO denies suit targets Future Forward leaders

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2019-02-22

[Thaiwrath]

18 minutes ago, webfact said:

It was an act to undermine the justice system of the country, he said. 

I think the justice system here does a perfectly good job undermining itself, without any outside help from third parties !

[Samui Bodoh]

"...Thanathorn and his Future Forward Party are popular among young and progressive voters. Observers are also speculating that if Thai Raksa Chart Party were to be dissolved, some of their supporters could transfer their votes to Future Forward, seen as another pillar in the anti-junta camp..." 

 

I wonder if these actions against the FFP are going to be a case of unintended consequences. 

 

Traditionally, the route to political manipulation in Thailand ran through the idea of simply removing an obstacle to vote-getting and that was sufficient. However, in today's interconnected world, information travels so quickly that any action almost immediately triggers a counter-reaction on-line. And, thanks to Facebook and the like, people all across the country know about it instantly, not just the local people. I have to wonder of the leadership of the Junta forces really understands this new dynamic; every move against the FFP will likely create a new pool of supporters as quickly as the older ones were targeted/removed.

 

I never particularly believed that the FFP could do that well as it is a new party and its platform is perhaps too progressive for most in tradition-bound Thailand, but I wonder if I am being as old and curmudgeonly as I accuse the Junta of being... Hmm...

 

I, along with many TVF users, talk with Thai people and see/hear a desire for better leadership in the Kingdom. Could the utilization of the Net facilitate a mass change in voters intentions? Towards the FFP because they are being targeted and attacked?

 

Wise money remains with the Junta continuing their manipulations and remaining in power, but I wonder if they are inadvertently triggering  a groundswell. It has been long noted in political science circles that a regime usually defeats itself rather than a replacement supplanting it. I wonder if we are seeing the beginnings of that phenomena.

 

Best of luck, beloved Thailand!

 

[YetAnother]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

THE RULING National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) yesterday denied that a lawsuit being brought against Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Jungroongruangkit was another case of discrimination

one of their very few talents, denying obvious intent of their actions

[BuckBee]

If they can lie about those watches they can lie about anything, this scum would tell you black is white all day long .

Whole thing has had quite lot of planning including timing of election.

They wanted the old top man gone as new he likely show some support to the common people while the son is a complete elitist and supports the military (mother much same) . The coronation being after election planned too as will be used to stem unrest or if doesn't good excuse for harsh response .

The Junta make Thaksin look like the pope lol . The connected right to the top unfortunately and you got not kind hearted grandfather give gestures of support to protesters running from armed military like before ...

Going be a lot of red t-shirts but it be blood red not Shin clan red.

[Lungstib]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Winthai said the computer crime law is a normal law, and was not one created by the NCPO in order to attack a particular group of people.

Such a short sentence but so much to argue with. Without doubt and suggested by many, the computer crime law is not 'normal' but a tool to deal with political opponents. It wasn't just one, but one of several created by the NCPO to deal with opposition and dissent. And they were not created to attack a particular group, but teachers, lawyers, academics, students....... anyone who stands in opposition to military rule. The amended computer crimes act has been criticised by almost everyone outside of the NCPO and i will post just one of several comments online:

• The Amended Act is rife with broad powers that are susceptible to abuse and could severely punish legitimate political, academic, or social expression.

[leeneeds]

All I have spoken to and ones I have asked around the mid twenties and down

in age have indicated they will vote for the FFP, 

who would have thought that the twitter and facebook would undermine such a fantastic ruling  party, if not this election , then the next,

a big change is gathering momentum.

 

[mikebell]

The most draconian computer laws in the world will explode in the junta's face.  They create martyrs at every turn.

[Snow Leopard]

Expect more of the same across the board. Free elections are supposed to be free elections. 

[BuckBee]

1 hour ago, leeneeds said:

All I have spoken to and ones I have asked around the mid twenties and down

in age have indicated they will vote for the FFP, 

who would have thought that the twitter and facebook would undermine such a fantastic ruling  party, if not this election , then the next,

a big change is gathering momentum.

 

Deserve hell of a lot of votes.

if devil himself was running he be better option than the oposition parties ....

Go FFP ... ... make buck banana and that fat watch junkie sweat it out lol .

[JAG]

3 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

I have to wonder of the leadership of the Junta forces really understands this new dynamic; every move against the FFP will likely create a new pool of supporters as quickly as the older ones were targeted/removed

I don't think that they even begin to understand the new medias. They cannot comprehend that there is no owner - individual, corporate or establishment - whose particular social and political views it must follow and propigate. It is beyond their comprehension as to how the media users control and create the content, and they simply do not know how to use or manage it. I suspect that they are at a loss as to how to react to it - you can't park a tank outside the broadcasting studio or put soldiers in the newsrooms, so they are stymied. The dynamics, as you describe them are both beyond their comprehension and beyond their control.

 

It really is a gamechanger. It has given the population, especially the younger ones, a means of communicating, a media, which is beyond the reach of the wealthy or the military. They can play or broadcast right wing "patriotic" anthems three or more times a day, it doesn't matter, no one is listening. And on a Friday evening they're not watching "Return Happiness to the People", they're plugged into "Return Friday to the People".

 

That last made me chuckle!

[chainarong]

Its time for the Government administration and its departments to have a reality check, you all look second rate, let the process of criticism run , without fear or favor, when it comes to fairness Thailand is a laughing stock.

[Prairieboy]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

NCPO denies suit targets Future Forward leaders 

It has certainly put them (NCPO) on the defensive.

[Eligius]

1 hour ago, leeneeds said:

All I have spoken to and ones I have asked around the mid twenties and down

in age have indicated they will vote for the FFP, 

who would have thought that the twitter and facebook would undermine such a fantastic ruling  party, if not this election , then the next,

a big change is gathering momentum.

 

Yes, I believe that long-term the future belongs to Thanathorn and his Future Forward Party. But there will be dark days to pass through first ...

[TKDfella]

4 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

"...Thanathorn and his Future Forward Party are popular among young and progressive voters. Observers are also speculating that if Thai Raksa Chart Party were to be dissolved, some of their supporters could transfer their votes to Future Forward, seen as another pillar in the anti-junta camp..." 

 

I wonder if these actions against the FFP are going to be a case of unintended consequences. 

 

Traditionally, the route to political manipulation in Thailand ran through the idea of simply removing an obstacle to vote-getting and that was sufficient. However, in today's interconnected world, information travels so quickly that any action almost immediately triggers a counter-reaction on-line. And, thanks to Facebook and the like, people all across the country know about it instantly, not just the local people. I have to wonder of the leadership of the Junta forces really understands this new dynamic; every move against the FFP will likely create a new pool of supporters as quickly as the older ones were targeted/removed.

 

I never particularly believed that the FFP could do that well as it is a new party and its platform is perhaps too progressive for most in tradition-bound Thailand, but I wonder if I am being as old and curmudgeonly as I accuse the Junta of being... Hmm...

 

I, along with many TVF users, talk with Thai people and see/hear a desire for better leadership in the Kingdom. Could the utilization of the Net facilitate a mass change in voters intentions? Towards the FFP because they are being targeted and attacked?

 

Wise money remains with the Junta continuing their manipulations and remaining in power, but I wonder if they are inadvertently triggering  a groundswell. It has been long noted in political science circles that a regime usually defeats itself rather than a replacement supplanting it. I wonder if we are seeing the beginnings of that phenomena.

 

Best of luck, beloved Thailand!

 

As far as age goes, you have some valid points. It is so easy to become a 'stick in the mud' and one reason why I try to keep abreast of the changing scientific and mathematical skyline in the hope of retaining some modicum ability to accept change. But of course, the junta doesn't concern itself with such things and not being experienced politicians I doubt that they have the capacity to even try. Power is all they know...and want to keep.

[JCauto]

I'm just so disappointed that we no longer receive the wise counsel of Djjamie who used to be able to tell us how this was all good and well, nothing to worry about. 

[Sticky Wicket]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanathorn_Juangroongruangkit

 

Seems like one of the good guys!! Much needed in the cesspit of Thai politics

[klauskunkel]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

NCPO denies suit targets Future Forward leaders 

We wholeheartedly deny targeting Future Forward leaders with our lawsuit, it just so happens that our lawsuit targets Future Forward leaders by accident. Totally.

In fact, we the NCPO, are an accident-prone authority. Actually.

We also have trouble formulating statements that at least sound coherent. Majorly.

[BuckBee]

43 minutes ago, Sticky Wicket said:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanathorn_Juangroongruangkit

 

Seems like one of the good guys!! Much needed in the cesspit of Thai politics

Yeh he quite simply the only one anyone with a brain should be voting for, the rest are a shower of 5h1t

[Psimbo]

'We will hold free and fair elections'- only including parties WE approve of through! ????

 

Interesting that in other news the EC are denying applying double standards when its blatantly clear they are.

[Chrisswe]

4 hours ago, leeneeds said:

All I have spoken to and ones I have asked around the mid twenties and down

in age have indicated they will vote for the FFP, 

who would have thought that the twitter and facebook would undermine such a fantastic ruling  party, if not this election , then the next,

a big change is gathering momentum.

 

Remember whatever happend after this election (if there bee any ?) The military/Army will still have the MAIN POWER in this country , and you will never (ever??) seen the peoples demokracy !! Only to accept it and go on living as a part of it !!!

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Thanathorn and his Future Forward Party are popular among young and progressive voters.

If the powers to be should be so stupid as to put him in jail for speaking openly then I think many voters who see the Junta as a manipulating power hungry mob will vote against them.

Many of the young people are sick and tired of the monopoly that keeps them suppressed and Thailand in the third world, while the ruling elite enjoy a luxury lifestyle.

Times are changing!

[Artisi]

7 hours ago, Snow Leopard said:

Expect more of the same across the board. Free elections are supposed to be free elections. 

of course they are free, so long as you follow our guidelines.

[Artisi]

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

If the powers to be should be so stupid as to put him in jail for speaking openly then I think many voters who see the Junta as a manipulating power hungry mob will vote against them.

Many of the young people are sick and tired of the monopoly that keeps them suppressed and Thailand in the third world, while the ruling elite enjoy a luxury lifestyle.

Times are changing!

and the sooner the better 

[RichardColeman]

6 hours ago, Eligius said:

Yes, I believe that long-term the future belongs to Thanathorn and his Future Forward Party. But there will be dark days to pass through first ...

and how many coups ? 

[sjaak327]

14 hours ago, webfact said:

The spokesman also explained that Thanathorn and the two others had accused the Thai justice system of becoming a political tool. It was an act to undermine the justice system of the country, he said. 

It's not an accusation, it is a cold hard fact. The Thai justice system has been undermined already, as the NCPO members enjoy a far reaching amnesty for past and future crimes. Such a far reaching amnesty automatically undermines the justice system. Therefore the accusation that these politicians are undermining the justice system is incorrect, it has been undermined by the NCPO. 

 

If this line of thinking is consequentially followed, the wrong people are being targetted. But I guess I am now in breach of the same law right ? You know where too find me, bunch of liars. 

[TKDfella]

Well, I have have just lost several 'friends'. There was a discussion going on about the 'these youngsters' having no political experience. Then it all went broodily silent...I mean, all I said was (in Thai) 'Well, I guess you don't need political experience when you have big guns, eh?' ????

[johng]

Well, I have have just lost several 'friends'. There was a discussion going on about the 'these youngsters' having no political experience. Then it all went broodily silent...I mean, all I said was (in Thai) 'Well, I guess you don't need political experience when you have big guns, eh?' [emoji56]

Maybe they are thinking about it...it's probably quite a revelation to them ?

[chama]

So another aspect of the junta's plan to retain power is revealed. Force as many opponents to be dissolved for any possible reason so they only have to challenge a few parties at the polls. Only problem is that does not move the people that supported these parties into the junta's camp. If anything it would harden the resolve of these voters against the junta.