The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) has defended its actions against a group of youths in the southern province of Narathiwat who allegedly attempted to stage a pro-Palestine rally during an annual traditional parade on Sept 7.
Responding to a recent accusation by the Prachachat Party that security forces had curbed their freedom of expression, Isoc's Region 4 Forward Command said paramilitary officers deployed at the parade site had only tried to protect Thailand's geopolitical neutrality.
It denies attempting to violate the youths' freedom of expression and being heavy-handed in their response.
The remarks were also issued in response to a video clip showing paramilitary officers confiscating Palestinian national flags and protest placards from some participants before they were allowed to join the Sept 7 parade.
The clip, which was circulated online and sparked public criticism, showed paramilitary officers taking protest materials away from a group of youths joining a parade.
According to Col Ekwarit Chopchuphon, a spokesman for Isoc's Region 4 Forward Command, the traditional event's organising committee, comprising local administrative officials and residents, had agreed the activities would be conducted only to preserve local cultures and traditions. It was not meant to be political, he said.
The event was supposed to be free from any hidden attempts to abuse it as a symbolic movement for any other purposes, he said.
Upon arrival, all participants from the four districts of Narathiwat, namely Rue So, Si Sakhon, Yi Ngo and Cha Nae, had been informed about the objective of the event when registering to take part, he said.
However, there was a group of youths who arrived late and did not register, he said, adding they were spotted carrying controversial protest materials.
As a result, paramilitary officers from the 46th Ranger Forces Regiment who were at the event to ensure law and order told them to put the materials away, he said.