#Thailand government needs to clear the path back to democracy, says #Bundestag

The German Bundestag raised the situation in Thailand as the first item on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Committee yesterday.  Following their deliberations on the constitutional referendum to be held on 7 August in Thailand, the Chair, Deputy Chair and the Spokespersons of the Foreign Affairs Committee jointly noted:

“Two years after it took over power, the Thai military government under General Prayuth Chan-ocha needs to keep its promise to clear the path back to democracy. This entails guarantees for the freedom of opinion, and for freedom of the press, as well as recognising opposition parties and preparing for free parliamentary elections. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have been dissolved for over two years, and have been replaced by an assembly nominated by the Military Council.

We note with concern that the proposed draft constitution does not strengthen the division of powers, but is designed to codify the power of the military in the future. At the same time, there are increasing reports of massive human rights violations against those who criticise.

We urge the Thai government to present a draft in accordance with the rule of law and to ensure that the population can discuss this draft and vote on it, freely and without repression.

The military government must comply with the roadmap for parliamentary elections and the transition to civilian government by 2017. This is the only way to return to democracy and to overcome the deep divisions in Thai society.”

Dr. Norbert Röttgen, MP, Chairman  (CDU)

Franz Thönnes, MP, Deputy Chairman (SPD)

Jürgen Hardt, MP, CDU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs

Niels Annen, MP, SPD Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs

Stefan Liebich, MP,  Die Linke Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs

Marieluise Beck, MP, Die Grunnen/Greens Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs

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