Thailand needs some law, Section 44 in this case, to ensure order and a path to reform and true democracy, deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaeokamnerd asserted on Friday.
Responding to the concerns of international organisations about the use of an executive order Section 44 of the interim constitution in place of martial law, Maj Gen Sansern said use of such a law was necessary for the time being.
"Democracy may not happen amid conflict or disorder, so I would like international organisations to understand the intention and that Thailand is trying by every means to become democratic," Maj Gen Sansern said.
Use of such a law would guarantee there could be an election and that it would be without disturbance or violence, he said.
He said that the general content of Section 44 could naturally cause the concern in that it could give excessive power to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as the chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
Details in Mr Prayut's announcement on Wednesday on the use of Section 44 should serve to allay the concerns, because they clearly set the limits of authority, Maj Gen Sansern said.
He added that the government also intended to use Section 44 to speed up national reform and to solve outstanding problems.
"The government wants to use Section 44 constructively and righteously to solve national problems and benefit theThai people. It does not aim for benefits solely in the area of security," Maj Gen Sansern said.
After Gen Prayut's announcement on the exercise of Section 44 on Wednesday, on Thursday the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, expressed alarm, terming it draconian and bestowing unfettered authority on the NCPO chief.
On Friday the European Union said the invocation of Section 44 did not bring Thailand closer to democratic and accountable government.
Maj Gen Sansern said on Friday that Section 44 had received positive reactions from the local tourism, trade, investment and industrial sectors. It signalled that the government was relaxing its grip to suit the progressing situation in the country, he said.