According to a post on the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok’s Facebook account yesterday, the meeting was part of the ambassador’s introduction to Thailand as well as the embassy’s political dialogue with Cabinet members, public figures and institutions, media, civil society and other stakeholders.

The ambassador was accompanied by colleagues from the embassy.

During the meeting with Prayut, besides the talks on long-standing relations between the two countries, the ambassador recalled some concerns about the political situation in Thailand, which had already been expressed by the ambassadors of the European Union, and at the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the country.

The ambassador, as posted on the Facebook account, specifically highlighted the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

“…so that also critical voices can be heard, not least in the context of the forthcoming referendum and for the return to democracy, including free and fair elections,” the post read.

In this context, the ambassador stressed Sweden’s recommendations to Thailand at the UPR, amongst them the amendment of the Computer Crimes Act, according to the post.

Weerachon said the ambassador did express concerns about the country’s political situation, especially on the point concerning freedom of expression ahead of the referendum.

The deputy government spokesman said the PM had stressed that the government never wished to violate human rights and needed to strictly enforce the relevant laws to maintain peace and order.

Prayut also stressed the government’s intention to strictly follow its road map, and to adhere to the rule of law in order for it to maintain equal treatment for all parties.

This, he was quoted as saying, would allow the country find peace and order, as well as continuing smooth relations with other countries.

“The government is attempting to lay a foundation supporting sustainable democracy and the country’s stability,” the premier was quoted as saying.

Sweden also asked the Thai government to help facilitate trade and investment in the Kingdom, while giving an assurance on tourists’ safety while travelling in Thailand.

It also praised Thailand for its efforts in tackling human-rights violations in the fishery sector, Weerachon said.

SEREE SUWANPANONT, chairman of the political reform committee under the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA), has said he will continue pushing for the controversial “punishment pending law” despite strong opposition.

“I am not discouraged. This is the responsibility that I have to take on,” he said yesterday.

Seree’s remark came in response to strong criticism over the proposal of the law, which would let people involved in political turmoil off without penalty provided they pled guilty in court. The law covers political uprisings since 2005.

The current proposal also stipulates that people who accept the amnesty would forfeit their voting rights and be barred from political activity.

Seree said this scheme was the best solution, especially when compared to a blanket amnesty bill.

“This method follows legal procedure and allows cases to be brought to an end in court. This is similar to cases being tried at the youth court, where juveniles plead guilty and are allowed to go home if the court chooses not to issue a verdict,” he said.

Seree added that the scheme was part of reconciliation under the reform master plan, which consists of six key points.

“At least nine panels have conducted studies that have yielded tonnes of paper. Most of the studies have suggested that an amnesty plan should be put forward,” he said. “The studies done by Anek [Laothamatas, leader of the now defunct reconciliation panel] also proposed a similar approach, including the introduction of amnesty bills.”

He went on to say that the political reform panel also planned to invite political factions to discuss the issue, so if there are problems, they can be resolved them cooperatively.

“It’s a shame that they are opposing an idea that could be advantageous for everyone. It would benefit ordinary protesters [as opposed to leaders],” he said. “Now, it’s become political – almost as if you care more about your own interests over people’s interests.”

He added that the scheme could offer one possible outcome while protest leaders who did not want to plead guilty could continue fighting in court.

As for Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan’s remark, which was seen as opposing the scheme, Seree said Prawit only wanted the proposal to be withdrawn if it caused conflicts. He added that Prawit’s remark was not necessarily a negative sign.

However, Seree said the proposal had to be reviewed in many stages, and the final decision on whether it becomes law will lie with the government and the National Council for Peace and Order.

“It is still in its infancy, everything is negotiable. We can definitely talk if anybody sees any problems in any of the conditions,” Seree said.

The panel will also discuss the proposal with Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, he said.

Meanwhile, relatives of the Black May 1992 Heroes showed up at Parliament yesterday to voice their opposition to the proposed law.

Group leader Adul Khiewboriboon said he agreed that the fragmented society should be brought together, but he was against the idea of suspending punishment.

“I understand that this is only part of the study done by Anek’s panel … But the protesters were only exercising their right to freedom of expression. Whether guilty or not, they will be forced to plead guilty,” he said, adding that the condition to revoke people’s voting rights also violated their constitutional rights and freedom.

He pointed out that Seree’s proposal does not cover people facing charges in relation to national security. “I am not judging, but it’s time we reconcile. Yet, using ‘national security’ as an excuse will only deepen conflicts. To achieve proper reconciliation, it would need [to include] not just the government and politicians, but also the relatives of those affected by the turmoil.

“If Prawit, as a true powerful figure in the NCPO, or anybody else is able to bring about real reconciliation, then the relatives will surely support this person to become the next PM,” Adul said.

Phayaw Akkahad, whose daughter Kamolked Akkahad, or “Nong Ked”, died in the 2010 protest, said many cases relating to the political turmoil were being processed and Seree’s proposal would only interfere.

“The protest leaders might gain an advantage, but what about the relatives of those who died in the protests?” she asked, adding that the scheme would meet severe opposition and fail.

“I am not against reconciliation, but am against discrimination. For instance, the punishment of those who seized the national airport will be suspended, but not that of those who committed arson,” Phayaw said.

Sirawith Seritiwat, or “Ja New”, asked the court to quash charges against 25-year-old activist Thanet Anantawong.

Thanet has been charged with violating Article 116 of the Criminal Court for allegedly inciting disturbances and for violating Article 14 of the Computer Crime Act. He was accused of sharing false information about the construction of Rajabhakti Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan in December.

The Criminal Court on December 15 rejected the suit filed by Sirawith on the grounds it lacked evidence and included conflicting statements.

Then on December 17, the Criminal Court rejected Sirawith’s second suit on the grounds that the detention of Thanet was legal since he had committed offences related to institutions and national security.

The Military Court had the authority under the National Council for Peace and Order to detain him for not more than seven days, the court ruled.

After the ruling, Sirawith appealed the Criminal Court’s December 17 decision, but the Court of Appeals upheld that ruling, citing that Sirawith’s suit was a repetition of the earlier suit.

However, yesterday the Court of Appeals ruled that the Criminal Court must rehear the original case and issue a new order.

Thanet’s lawyer, Pawinee Chumsri, said the Criminal Court had not yet set a date for the new hearing. She has been unable to contact Thanet.

A source said Thanet was released on bail of Bt100,000 following a Military Court ruling on December 18 on the condition he refrain from engaging in political activities and inciting disturbances. He must report to the court every 12 days.

Thanet is featured in a YouTube video called “Thai’s Voice” that states he left the country to seek political asylum.

Maj-General Sansern Kaewkam-nerd said there was no need to “please the prime minister to such an extent” because he is not a politician.

This issue has been widely debated on social media, with netizens having mixed reactions.

The event’s programme tells participating teachers to applaud when Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha arrives at Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi’s Muang Thong Thani. It also advises them to shout “keep fighting, prime minister!” when he completes his speech.

Some social-media users have found this funny, though others say they are losing hope in the so-called national models that are teachers.

The event’s programme was initially accessible via the Secondary Educational Service Area Office 1 website, but was removed after it went viral. A screenshot of the document was posted on Rackchart Wong-arthichart’s Facebook timeline and won more than 1,500 “likes” and got shared over 500 times.

Prayut is scheduled to meet thousands of teachers from across the country today to tell them about educational-reform policies and the structural overhaul of the sector. He is expected to highlight progress achieved by the government and teachers during his tenure.

In March, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) moved to drastically overhaul the country’s educational sector, setting up a powerful Educational Reform Steering Committee, which is chaired by the education minister.

Apart from its many duties, the committee also has the power to appoint, transfer or suspend school directors as well as other officials. Moves are also being made to establish provincial education committees.

About 20,000 teachers are expected to be present at the meeting with Prayut, who is also NCPO chief, . Many more are also expected to attend the event via teleconferencing or watch it live on ETV.

The Office of Basic Education Commission (Obec) has said that teachers can also listen toPrayut‘s speeches about educational reform and his policy through other media, such as satellite TV channels, at their schools.

“The meeting aims at inspiring teachers to carry out their mission,” the government spokesman said yesterday. He went on to say that Prayut expected teachers not to just convey knowledge and wisdom to their students, but also to inspire them.

Sansern said teachers should help children break free from rote learning and learn to think analytically.

According to statistics, Education Minister General Dapong Ratanas-uwan’s initiative to cut class hours has delivered satisfactory results.

As per a survey conducted from November last year to February, 97.13 per cent of the students said they were happy about the policy.

Based on the policy, participating schools have been ending classes at 2pm, which allows students to take part in extracurricular activities.