Thai junta lifts nationwide curfew

June 14 SMH.com

Thailand's military government have lifted the night-time curfew imposed after their military coup three weeks ago, to the relief of World Cup fans and the struggling tourism industry.

“As the situation has improved and there have been no incidents that can lead to violence ... and in order to improve tourism, the curfew will be lifted in all remaining provinces,” the ruling military council said in a televised announcement.

The ending of the midnight-4am curfew enforced by the ruling generals’ National Council for Peace and Order will allow Thais to watch football's showpiece tournament in bars and restaurants without fear of arrest.

The junta has curtailed civil liberties by banning public protests, arresting demonstrators, censoring media and temporarily detaining hundreds of critics for questioning.

But it has also embarked on an extensive public relations campaign emphasising the need to “return happiness” to the people.

On Thursday authorities announced that Thais would be able to watch the whole World Cup on television at home for free, thanks to an intervention by the generals. The time difference with Brazil meant that most of the World Cup matches would have been played during curfew hours.

In theory, anyone caught out on the streets overnight faced arrest, although in many areas the curfew was not strictly enforced.

The curfew, which was blamed for contributing to a sharp drop in foreign visitor arrivals, had already been lifted in some provinces and major beach resorts.

Under the military's “happiness” campaign, the public have also been treated to free haircuts, concerts and even a song penned by the usually stern-faced coup leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha.At the same time authorities have cracked down on dissent, arresting anti-coup protesters.

One prominent activist faces up to 14 years in prison if convicted of incitement, computer crimes and ignoring a summons by the junta.Sombat Boonngamanong, who led a social media campaign to stage peaceful but illegal rallies against the junta, was denied bail Thursday and is set to stand trial in a military court.He was one of several hundred politicians, activists, academics and journalists summoned by the junta following the May 22 coup.

Those who obeyed the summons were detained in secret locations for up to a week and ordered to cease political activities.

The junta has said elections are not expected to be held for at least a year to allow for political “reforms”, including the drafting of a new constitution.