The government and military junta assured foreign diplomats and media at a press briefing Tuesday that Section 44 of the interim charter will be exercised with care and with respect for human rights.
Speaking at the Foreign Ministry, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said Section 44 was invoked after the lifting of martial law because Thailand is still "under special circumstances".
Ambassadors from all embassies in Thailand and representatives from about 66 countries and 12 international organisations were present at the briefing.
Dr Wissanu, together with National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) spokesman Col Winthai Suvaree and prime minister's working team member Maj Gen Weerachon Sukondhapatipak, explained matters relating to the lifting of martial law and the invocation of Section 44, which gives NCPO leader Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha unlimited power.
Dr Wissanu said such power is not new in Thai society. Thailand has experienced this kind of power six times over the past 50 years, the first time being in 1959.
"The section has been modified from Section 16 of the 1958 French Constitution, which is still applicable today," he said.
Human rights were considered before Section 44 was imposed, Col Winthai said.
"When we imposed martial law, we did it cautiously and constructively. We always understand and respect human rights issues," he said.
Col Winthai said 51% of people are happy with the current situation, citing a Suan Dusit Poll.
He insisted most Thais did not experience any negative effects under martial law, except those with ill intentions who did not want peace.
"We can no longer tolerate conflict inside the country," Col Winthai said.
During the briefing, Charge d'Affaires Abdul Latiff Mohamed Lafeer from Sri Lanka asked for clarifications on what actions violate Section 44.
Dr Wissanu answered that gatherings of more than five people for political purposes without NCPO permission violate the order.
Travelling overseas is not allowed for those who have already been summoned to report to the NCPO, he said.
A diplomat from the Belgian embassy asked how their citizens and other foreigners residing or travelling in Thailand can distinguish between officials who have the authority to enforce Section 44 and those who do not.
It is true that not all military officials are invested with this power, Dr Wissanu said.
He suggested that foreigners in Thailand should ask officials to present their identity cards.
The room was packed out Tuesday by diplomats from 66 countries and representatives of a dozen international organisations, summoned to hear about Section 44 of the interim constitution. (Photo by Apichart Jinakul)