Cameraman in Samut Prakan reported abducted by military

The Thai military have reportedly abducted a cameraman and another individual in the central province of Samut Prakan after attempting to break into the house of a Pheu Thai Party politician earlier this morning.

Anon Nampa, a well-known human rights lawyer and activist, posted on his Facebook account on Thursday morning, 12 May 2016, that soldiers reportedly abducted Sombat Thongyoi, a 46-year-old cameraman, from his residence in Samut Prakan Province.

His current whereabouts are unknown.

The human rights lawyer added in another Facebook post this morning that Sombat, Worachai Hema, a Pheu Thai Party politician, and an individual identified only by the first name Thanakorn, might have been detained in the latest political crackdown by the authorities.

Earlier this morning, soldiers and police officers attempted to break into the house of Worachai in Samut Prakan Province after he criticised Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the junta leader and Prime Minister, in a recent interview.  

Under Section 44 of the Interim Charter, the Thai authorities possess absolute power to maintain national security. National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Orders No. 3/2015 and 13/2016 also give security officers the authority to arrest without a warrant and detain for up to seven days suspects in connection with nearly every criminal offence and so-called crimes against national security.

 

Prachatai will report more details on the story soon

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