Curfew checkpoints on Phuket, but no political reconciliation center

PHUKET: Coup leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha yesterday ordered each of the four Army areas to set up reconciliation centers where people could exchange political views and obtain direct information about the junta.

However, the closest center to Phuket is at the Royal Thai Army base in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, to which a Phuket reporter and former island official have already been summoned (story here).

“The centers will help prevent misunderstandings and the spread of false information that could incite more conflict,” explained Commanding General of the 41st Military Circle Peerapol Wiriyakul.

“We have information about people who have strong political opinions, and we want to meet with them to make sure we’re on the same page about what’s going on and to exchange views with them,” Maj Gen Peerapol said. “We have no intention of harming anyone.”

In addition, in order to ensure that the curfew – which from today will run from midnight to 4am – is enforced, Gen Peerapol said that he had asked Phuket Provincial Police Commander Ong-art Phiewruangnont to set up checkpoints around the island.

“People should not be breaking the curfew without an appropriate reason,” Gen Peerapol said.

“I especially want young people to understand that if they break the law and are caught, they may be transferred to our base in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, and their parents will have to go there to get them out.”

— Woranut Pechdee