The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has again decided to call in politically influential individuals to warn them not to be active while the parliament decides on two explosive impeachment proposals.
Leaders of the anti-Yingluck government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) in Nakhon Ratchasima are summoned to report to the National Council for Peace and Order at Suranaree Camp in this photo taken on May 26. (Photo by Prasit Tangprasert)
The National Legislative Assembly is preparing to debate impeachment petitions against former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and the former House speaker and former Senate president.
An army source said the NCPO's peace-keeping task force had ordered military unit commanders around the country to meet with community leaders, leaders of political groups and local politicians.
They will be asked to refrain from holding any political activities or giving press interviews. Soldiers will also visit people considered as "persons of interest" and ask others to report to the authorities where their cooperation would be sought.
The source said the NCPO had summoned hundreds of people for "attitude adjustment" after the May 22 coup. But it now felt the need to again stress cooperation to ensure peace and order in the country.
If anyone refuses to cooperate, the source added, the junta will implement measures ranging from enforcing regular laws and martial law, as well as Section 44 of the interim charter, which gives the regime power over the interim government.
The order was issued on Thursday just after the NLA voted 87-75 to accept for consideration an impeachment motion against former Senate speaker Nikom Wairatpanija and former House speaker Somsak Kiatsuranon.
On Nov 12, the NLA will meet to discuss the next step in the impeachment proceedings against Ms Yingluck -- the summoning of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which has asked the NLA to impeach her, and Ms Yingluck to give opening statements.
The anti-Yingluck government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) recently publicly pressured the 220-member NLA into voting to accept the impeachment petitions for consideration.
The move was condemned by members of the Pheu Thai Party and the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) who argue the NLA does not have the mandate to impeach political office holders.
They reportedly vowed to hold counter-protests if PDRC loyalists take to the streets if the NLA’s decisions do not appeal to them.
The differences finally led Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to order all security agencies to closely monitor movements of all political groups. He threatened to enforce Section 44 if necessary.
Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paojinda on Thursday said authorities have not detected any suspicious or worrying movements by any groups.
He said the NLA was only doing its duty when members decided to accept the impeachment motion for deliberation.
Gen Prayut has declined to comment on the issue.