The Foreign Ministry plans to invite the United Nations' top human rights officer for the region to hear its explanation over why it arrested demonstrators who flashed the "three-finger salute", the ministry's spokesman said Sunday.
The ministry was responding to remarks by Matilda Bogner, the Southeast Asia representative for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemning the detention of students displaying three fingers, inspired by the rallying gesture of anti-dictatorial rebels in The Hunger Games Hollywood blockbuster franchise. Ms Bogner said the junta's clampdown violates human rights and freedom of expression.
Spokesman Sek Wannamethee said Foreign Ministry officials will seek a meeting to explain the government's position, but did not elaborate on what it plans to tell her. Thani Thongphakdi, the Thai ambassador and envoy to the UN in Geneva, has also been assigned to seek a meeting with the UN human rights commissioner there.
"Thailand has made progress politically compared with last year. When the country became more peaceful, government agencies began the effort of reform and reconciliation," Mr Sek said, adding that the government has set up methods, such as emails or Facebook, to share opinions about political reform.
Matilda Bogner: UN human rights officer 'invited' to discuss her attitude on the 3-finger salute. (Bangkok Post file photo)
Ms Bogner has criticised the authorities over a recent spate of instances in which people were led away for questioning after making the salute that has become a symbol of defiance for anti-coup protesters. She was quoted by AFP as calling it the "latest illustration of a worrying pattern of human rights violations, which has the effect of suppressing critical and independent voices".
Meanwhile, a number of leaflets against the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) were found early Sunday near the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen road. They include lines such as, "NCPO overthrows the monarchy", "Revoke martial law", "Freedom", "NCPO interferes with royal power", "Dictator NCPO" and "Stop threatening people and the media".
Army commander Udomdej Sitabutr, also a deputy prime minister, acknowledged the incident and said he has ordered authorities to track down and prosecute whoever is responsible. He called the leaflets a "reaction from those who still don't understand what the government is doing". He added that "we have to ensure understanding, among the students in particular".
Gen Udomdej also said authorities should stop the three-finger salute to prevent it from affecting order in the country.
Students held a vigil and "picnic" at the Democracy Monument to welcome back classmates who were released from attitude-adjustment sessions by the military on Sunday. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)