On Wednesday, 6 August 2014, Mr. Sihasak Puangketkeow, Permanent Secretary, Acting for Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand gave an interview on the case of Ms. Kritsuda Kunasen, a political activist, who claimed to have been subjected to various forms of torture while in the custody of the military upon reporting to a summon made by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). The concerns was raised by Ms. Ravina Chamdasari, Spokesperson of the UNHRC and Mr. Brad Adams, Director of Asia Region, Human Rights Watch, asking the Thai authority for a swift investigation and explanation on the case.

Mr. Sihasak explained that the concerns made by the UNHRC and Human Rights Watch on Ms. Kritsuda’s case might have been caused by a misunderstanding and inadequate information. Nevertheless, Mr. Sihasak has discussed with the NCPO on establishing a working group on human rights which consists of related agencies including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other security and human rights offices. The working group would aim to improve information sharing between related agencies to help provide details and explanations on such allegations.

The Permanent Secretary also added that his participation at the 47th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, where Ministers and high-level representatives from ASEAN countries and dialogue partners are attending in Nay Pyi Daw, Myanmar, during 5 – 10 August 2014, will be a good opportunity to explain development of the political situation in Thailand, especially the implementation of 3-stage Roadmap, the promulgation of the provisional constitution, as well as the establishment of the National Legislative Assembly to nominate the Prime Minister.