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Published on July 14, 2007

"I have talked to Gothom Arya about the government or his National Economic and Social Advisory Council sponsoring the forum to air differing views," he said.

Surayud said every draconian provision in the internal security bill could be discussed and revised to safeguard society and serve the majority of the people.

"I want to remind relevant parties that any government-sponsored bill can be revised and that outright rejection of a bill might be too negative a stand and unjustifiable," he said, pleading for opponents to work for a compromise.

He said he was willing to sanction a forum in any format, including a public hearing.

Justice Ministry permanent secretary Charan Pakdithana-kul said human-rights advocates and security officials should strive to find a balance between protecting the country and ensuring rights and liberties.

"Too-tight security measures could lead to a stressful situation for the populace, while liberties without any restraints might trigger anarchy," he said.

Three human-rights advocates petitioned Surayud to postpone the deliberation on the draft internal security bill until all parties concerned have a chance to vet it and suggest alternative provisions.

The advocates are Somchai Homla-or from the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, Kraisak Chonhavan from the Human Rights Campaign and Jon Ungphakorn, a coordinator for non-governmental organisations.

Representatives from media professionals filed a similar petition asking for the government to suspend the draft bill. The media group on Thursday issued a statement calling for this.

Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa said he had not studied the draft provisions.

"I think the draft is being vetted in the Council of State and has not been forwarded for legislative deliberation," he said.

Banharn said he believed the draft was designed to streamline security measures and not to condone an Army chief usurping an elected government from power.

"In Thai politics coups can happen from time to time and there is no need to enact special legislation," he added.

Piyanart Srivalo,

Hassaya Chartmontri

The Nation