Thailand's military junta today released an opposition activist who had appeared on an army television channel saying her detention was "too good for words to say" after demands from several human rights group for her freedom.
Kritsuda Khunasen, an activist with the grassroots "Red Shirt" movement which supported the government ousted in last month's coup, had been missing since security forces detained her May 28 in Chonburi province, east of Bangkok.
In an effort to prove she was alive and being treated well, the army aired on its TV station several minutes of footage yesterday showing Kritsuda sitting at a table talking about her situation. Her boyfriend, also in detention, was shown with her.
Junta spokesman Col Winthai Suvaree said Kritsuda was released today after a seven-day detention period allowed under martial law. Her boyfriend was turned over to police, the spokesman said.
On Sunday, he told reporters that Kritsuda was detained because she was related to a suspect "allegedly involved with war weapons." She was released, he said, but then summoned again on June 18 because the junta wanted Kritsuda "to enter the attitude adjustment process and to have more understanding."
Since taking power, Thailand's military has made clear it will tolerate no dissent. It has summoned hundreds of people perceived as threats to public order, mostly members of the ousted civilian government, activists and intellectuals.
Most of those who have been released have had to sign pledges saying they will not instigate unrest, a move that has effectively silenced public criticism.
The junta was warned those who violate the agreement, or who don't respond to its summons, will be jailed.
