The party’s move follows repeated actions by the junta against several Pheu Thai figures such as former ministers Watana Muangsook, Pichai Naripthaphan and several ex-MPs who have been summoned, charged and visited by military and police officers since the NCPO came to power following the 2014 coup.

In the statement, Pheu Thai blamed the NCPO for using legal instruments to suppress and harass the public even after the 2017 constitution has been promulgated.

The NCPO, headed by PM General Prayut Chan-o-cha, has also issued absolute orders to retain or charge people having different opinions to curb their freedom of expression despite their constitutional rights, it said.

“Protection and respect for freedom of expression should guarantee that administrations of the government and the NCPO are transparent and accountable, on par with elected governments,” the statement said.

The party also called for respect for the rule of law, and justice that enabled defendants to fight their cases under the Penal Code.

Pheu Thai’s former PM Yingluck Shinawatra, who is due to hear the final verdict from the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders on her government’s rice-pledging scheme on August 25, had said earlier that she was being watched and followed by soldiers when she went on field trips.