The government has, therefore, promulgated a number of laws to ensure that public order and social harmony prevail. Mr Sek said public order and social harmony are key for the government to be able to see the roadmap through to the end. Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai's spokesman defends "public order and social harmony". While condemning efforts to use the referendum process to provoke violence, the ambassadors say "prohibition on the peaceful public expression of views inhibit debate and increase tensions". He said that ultimately, the right balance between freedom of expression and public order is a crucial ingredient for a smooth transition towards genuine and sustainable democracy.

Source: Bangkok Post July 14, 2016 21:33 UTC