Junta summons two for 'attitude adjustment'
Opposition leader and ex-minister ordered to report to barracks by military regime
PUBLISHED : Friday, 30 January, 2015, 11:09pm
UPDATED : Friday, 30 January, 2015, 11:09pm
Agence France-Presse in Bangkok
'Red Shirt' leader Nattawut Saikuar in Bangkok.Photo: AFP
A prominent leader of the opposition Red Shirt movement and a former minister yesterday became the latest critics of Thailand's junta forced to report for "attitude adjustment" as the military regime ramps up its campaign against dissent.
Nattawut Saikuar, secretary-general of the movement loyal to ousted premier Yingluck Shinawatra, and Pichai Naripthaphan, a former energy minister in her government, were both ordered to appear before the military after publicly criticising the junta.
So-called "attitude adjustment" sessions are used by the military to haul in those deemed to be uncooperative with Thailand's generals, who imposed martial law and took over in a coup last May.
At least five people - three former ministers, a Red Shirt leader and Yingluck's lawyer - have now been ordered to report this week.
Thailand's junta has moved swiftly to stamp out any renewed criticism of their rule following the retroactive impeachment of Yingluck last week and after a top US diplomat made critical comments on Monday that infuriated the generals.
The military insist the summons are simply invites - though in reality any refusal to cooperate would likely lead to censure.
Earlier this week junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha made it clear he would not tolerate those who spoke out , adding he would use punitive measures including banning critics from travelling abroad and having their assets investigated or seized.
During the same briefing Prayuth, who is also prime minister, joked that reporters who continued to ask question that were not "constructive" might also be summoned.
The increase in "attitude adjustment" sessions comes after a recent visit by Daniel Russel, the most senior US official to travel to the kingdom since the coup.
Russel held meetings with junta officials and Yingluck - but not Prayuth - and delivered a speech warning that the military's pursuit of Thailand's first female premier risked being perceived as "politically driven".
Washington's top envoy in Bangkok pending the appointment of a new ambassador - Charge D'Affaires W Patrick Murphy - was promptly summoned to the foreign ministry to explain Russel's comments.
And Thailand's junta-stacked rubber stamp parliament yesterday said they also wanted Murphy to appear before them.
