Academics plead against Internal Security Bill

The petition filing coincides with the Wednesday's first reading of the bill in the National Legislative Assembly.

In one of their key arguments, the academics are concerned that the Internal Security Operations Command will have the mandate to override all exisitng agencies which may lead to the usurping of power.

They are also critical of many draconian security measures seen as infringing on basic rights, such as a security search without courtsanctioned order.

Signatories of the petition include Surichai Wankaew from Chulalongkorn University and Chaiwat Sathaanand from Thammasat University.

At the start of the legislative debate, about 50 democracy advocates held a rally to oppose the bill.

The Nation