News

UNI expresses our deep concern over the military junta takeover of the administration of the Thailand and the disbanding of democratic institutions including trade unions.

According to various reports, hundreds of political activists, journalists, trade unionists, academics and demonstrators have been illegally detained and many others are at risk of being arrested following the imposition of martial law in Thailand. We also noted with apprehension that those already in detention are held incommunicado, with no access to lawyers, courts or relatives in unknown locations in violation of international human rights law.

It has also been reported that the military has instructed the media not to report anything critical of the military's actions or to interview people who may criticize them or the current political situation. By using the power of martial law, the military junta has detained people for up to seven days without warrant, charge or trial, without being liable to compensate those affected by illegal actions.

We join the the international community, civil societies, trade unions and human rights defenders of Thailand and in various countries to urge the military junta:

• To restore the democratic rights of the people of Thailand, respect freedom of press and fulfill fundamental international human rights obligations.
• To immediately and unconditionally release those detained by the military and immediately disclose the names of detainees and their whereabouts.