Thais’ purge in country

Press, 19 October 1976, Page 8

Thais’ purge in country

NZPA-Reuter Bangkok Thailand’s military authorities moved into villages yesterday to arrest suspected Communist subversives, and broadened the definition of Communist organisations, the Associated Press reports.

The regime now defines as Communist any organisation seeking to destroy the country’s nationhood, religion, and monarchy.

The authorities said thousands had been arrested in a continuing nationwide police hunt. Most were released after investigations. Official spokesmen said that between 200 and 300 people had been arrested and detained, including politicians, journalists, university students, and labour leaders. NZPA-Reuter reports that the military leadership has also promised a new constitution by Friday. Government sources said it would give wide authority to the Prime Minister-designate (Mr Thanin Kraivichien). The rul-

ing military council will also retain considerable powers.

1 Ever since their October 6 coup, which came after bloody clashes between the police and Right-wing and Left-wing students, the military leaders have emphasised that their action was aimed at preventing a Communist take-over.

They have been detaining Communist suspects, burning Communist literature, and taking a tough approach towards Hanoi. Vietnam yesterday, accused them of putting some 7000 Vietnamese into what it described as concentration camps. There has been no official confirmation of this, although a number of Vietnamese — perhaps 20 at most — have been arrested for moving out of their designated area.