Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has threatened to invoke a "special power" to deal with those who start conflicts or violence, citing intelligence information that anti-government groups are preparing some type of disruption.
Speaking in his weekly television programme, "Returning Happiness to the People", on Friday night, Gen Prayut said he has obtained information that some groups have been critical and are voicing negative public views against the government as well as preparing to use violence to stir up the political situation.
The premier said those who plan to carry out these acts must stop or face punishment.
“We cannot go back to that [political turmoil]. Prosecution of those who participate in such acts will be carried out to the fullest extent in such cases. I’m ready to use a special power. I have given a prior warning,” he said.
Gen Prayut also said the security agency is currently monitoring the movement of groups to prevent any violence and unexpected incidents as people are currently enjoying peace.
On the political issues, Gen Prayut said he understood that a number of people have expressed their views on charter drafting, reconciliation, amnesty and other legal proceedings.
However, the premier insisted that all matters have to be based on the law.
“Many of these affairs involve the laws of the country. If true reconciliation is to be achieved, I suggest the first thing to do is to stop derogatory accusations and let everything be processed systematically,” he said.
The prime minister also urged all groups to respect and accept the judicial system, and he reiterated that the law, amnesty and reconciliation cannot be linked.
“Do not link the affairs of the law, of amnesty, of reconciliation. These matters need to be processed according to the appropriate procedures and steps,” he said.
Gen Prayut made the comment following suggestions on how to achieve reconciliation, with one suggestion being he should hold talks with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as part of the reconciliation process.
Meanwhile, the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) yesterday agreed to set up an independent committee to work on promoting national reconciliation.
CDC spokesman Kamnoon Sitthisaman said that committee will be made up of 15 people not linked to any parties to the conflict.