M'sian NGOs demand for restoration of democracy in Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR: A coalition of 24 Malaysian NGOs gathered in front of the Royal Thai Embassy to submit a memorandum demanding for democracy restoration in the Siamese state.
The demands, among others, were to repeal the martial law immediately, to reinstate Thailand's constitution and to release all political detainees.
Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) executive director Yap Swee Seng said the coalition was very concerned over the political situation surrounding Thailand and it must be resolved in a more democratic way.
"Military rule won't resolve the problem. They will just sweep everything under the carpet. Citizens won't be able to voice out their problems," he said to reporters in front of the Thailand embassy.
"There should be freedom of expression to discuss problems faced by the country. A democratic process will ensure a more sustainable and long term political solution for Thailand," he added.
The memorandum was directed to Thailand's National Council for Peace and Order General Prayuth Chan-Ocha who led the recent military coup.
Yap, who led the coalition, condemned all acts of democratic oppression by the military junta as it denied the basic human rights.
"Military rule and repression is not the solution to resolve the current political impasse in Thailand," he said.
The memorandum was accepted by Minister Counsellor of Royal Thai Embassy Biyapak Sricharoen.
Biyapak said the Thai government is in the midst of resolving the internal conflict.
"A lot of people who have been arrested are being released and measures against news organisations and media has already been relaxed," he said.
"We will convey the message to Bangkok. This will be taken into consideration by the Thai government," he added.
Biyapak said the bilateral ties between both countries will not be severed by the change in government.