In yet another sign of the intellectual suffocation which the regime is pressing upon us, two academics from Chiang Mai University are to appear before police for telling the military to stop interfering with academic freedom.
History professor Attachak Sattayanurak and law lecturer Somchai Preechasilapakul, who are due to report Tuesday, are among eight lecturers wanted by police for violating a ban on political gatherings of more than five people.
Their crime? Telling the government that a university is "not a military camp" for producing one uniform block of thoughts.
On Oct 31, Prof Attachak and his seven colleagues held a news conference and responded in an open letter to criticism by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that universities are producing anti-government attitudes, fostering conflict in society.
The open letter defends academic freedom and universities' role in nurturing questioning minds as well as respect for different opinions. An open society, rule of law, and a transparent judicial system can restore peace while political oppression will plunge the country deeper into political crisis, they said.
A group of university lecturers went to Government House yesterday to submit to the prime minister a list containing over 130 signatures from academics nationwide seeking protection for academic freedom in a show of solidarity with their colleagues.
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Experience over the past 18 months has shown the regime's attempt to silence critics with lawsuits or verbal threats cannot stop people from voicing their thoughts.
As the regime leaders brush shoulders with global and regional leaders at international forums, they might forget that the world knows what is going on in Thailand.
Figures from May 22, 2014 to Oct 31 this year compiled by the Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw) revealed 790 summons had been issued to all types of people.
Of these, 485 people were arrested after being summoned, 212 were charged for peaceful demonstrations against the NCPO while 54 people were charged under Section 112 (some are also charged with violating the Computer Crime Act, meaning they would receive longer prison terms). Of the lese majeste cases, 47 people remain behind bars as their bail requests were turned down.
That at least 149 civilians are being tried in the military court has also drawn international criticism. The same goes for the draconian Section 44, which puts the regime above the judicial and legislative branches.
The UN, joined by various world leaders, has repeated calls since last year to give space to differing voices as the country sets new rules for the future. The current climate of fear and repression will only prevent the country from achieving inclusive political reconciliation.
Cartoonists and journalists, meanwhile, are still under surveillance and are summoned for attitude adjustment if they are perceived as crossing the line. Community activists and villagers who oppose development projects that affect the environment and their livelihoods are also regularly harassed and threatened.
And with such high numbers of summons cases, the junta won't be able to convince the world that normalcy has returned to Thailand.
But suppression of freedom of expression is not the only issue that has earned international displeasure.
With the investigation into the Erawan shrine bombing, two defendants are being locked up in the special prison at the 11th Military Circle in Bangkok which has raised questions about rights abuses. In another recent and high-profile case, two suspects in lese majeste lawsuits died while in military custody.
The quick fix to the Rajabhakti Park scandal also gives the negative impression that the military is exempt from scrutiny.
But civil society is keeping a close watch. Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand secretary-general, Mana Nimitmongkol, attended the press briefing by the army chief last week.
Mr Mana urged the army to come clean on the park issue, and allay public suspicions of corruption, involving statue procurements, Chinese-style dinner parties, high-priced palm tree planting and commission fees, among many others.
As the 12 core values imposed by the military government seek to uproot corruption, this is a perfect time for the military to show its sincerity and rid the regime of black sheep.
It requires check-and-balance mechanisms to fix wrongdoing, not silencing people in a climate of fear.
Achara Ashayagachat is Senior News Reporter, Bangkok Post.