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Motion for a resolution - B8-1018/2015Motion for a resolution
B8-1018/2015

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on situation in Thailand

6.10.2015 - (2015/2875(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 135 of the Rules of Procedure

Cristian Dan Preda, Jeroen Lenaers, Tunne Kelam, David McAllister, Patricija Šulin, Jarosław Wałęsa, Eduard Kukan, Bogdan Brunon Wenta, Csaba Sógor, Lorenzo Cesa, Jiří Pospíšil, Davor Ivo Stier, Stanislav Polčák, Barbara Kudrycka, Tomáš Zdechovský, Therese Comodini Cachia, Giovanni La Via, Monica Macovei, Andrej Plenković, Marijana Petir, József Nagy, Claude Rolin, Ivan Štefanec, Pavel Svoboda, Agnieszka Kozłowska-Rajewicz, Jaromír Štětina, Adam Szejnfeld, Ramona Nicole Mănescu, Barbara Matera, Lara Comi, Dubravka Šuica, Ivana Maletić, Elisabetta Gardini, Arnaud Danjean, Francisco José Millán Mon on behalf of the PPE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B8-1002/2015

Procedure : 2015/2875(RSP)
Document stages in plenary
Document selected :  
B8-1018/2015
Texts tabled :
B8-1018/2015
Texts adopted :

B8‑1018/2015

European Parliament resolution on situation in Thailand

(2015/2875(RSP))

The European Parliament,

-    having regard to its previous resolutions on Thailand,

-    having regard to the Local EU Statement of 24 September 2015 issued by the European Union Delegation issues in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Thailand,

-    having regard to the Statement of 2 April 2015 by the Spokesperson of the European External Action Service on developments in Thailand,

-    having regard to the Council conclusions on Thailand of 23 June 2014,

-    having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948,

-    having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966,

-    having regard to Rule 135 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas on 22 May 2014 a military coup was staged in Thailand;

B. whereas there are reports about citizens being tried by military courts;

C. whereas there are reports from NGOs and media about inference in their rights;

D. whereas there are violent clashes between different groups in Thailand;

E.  whereas on 17 August 2015 a bomb attack in Bangkok killed and wounded Thai citizens and visiting tourists;

F. whereas on 6 September 2015 the National Reform Council (NRC) rejected the proposal for a new Thai constitution;

1. Welcomes the EU's strong commitment to the Thai people with whom the EU has strong and longstanding political, economic and cultural ties; stresses that the EU, as a friend and partner of Thailand, has repeatedly called for the democratic process to be restored;

2.  Strongly condemns the bomb attack in Bangkok; expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims;

3. Notes with concern that the rejected draft constitution introduced a National Strategic Reform and Reconciliation Committee, which would not have guaranteed a proper division of powers; notes however that the draft constitution did foresee a proportional electoral system;

4. Notes with concern that elections have to be postponed; calls upon the Thai government to publish a clear timeline for actions towards a new constitution;

5. Underlines that democracy can only be achieved by holding democratic, fair and transparent elections as well as by building legitimate governmental, judicial and parliamentary institutions;

6. Calls on the Thai government to appoint a new NRC in order to draft a new constitution as soon as possible; calls on the Thai government to appoint members of the NRC according to transparent and democratic principles and to include also opposition parties and movements to the NRC;

7. Calls for a constitution based on democratic principles such as equality, liberty, fair representation, transparency, accountability, human rights and rule of law; condemns the fact that civilians are tried by military courts;

8. Calls on the Thai authorities to follow up on recommendations made by the EU and other international organizations, which concern democracy and human rights;

9. Underlines the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as well as the universal right to stand up for one’s political beliefs; stresses that during the process of drafting a constitution politicians, representatives of the media, international organizations and citizens must have the right to express their views freely;

10. Welcomes the acquittal on 1 September 2015 by the Phuket Provincial Court of the journalists Ms Chutima “Oi” Sidasathian and Mr Alan Morison;

11. Calls for a democratically elected government and a clear division of powers between all political actors; calls for an end to violence between different groups in society;

12. Welcomes Thailand's new role as country coordinator (2015-2018) for the ASEAN-EU relations; points to the mutual benefits ASEAN and EU gain from their cooperation;

13. Reiterates the importance of international dialogue and cooperation to enhance economic growth and democratic values; welcomes in this respect the appointment of Mr Apichart Chinwanno, former Thai Ambassador to the EU, as Permanent Secretary of the Thai Foreign Ministry;

14. Calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to address the situation in the country with the Thai authorities without delay;

15. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice‑President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Government and Parliament of Thailand, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN.