This archive report was first published on 10 July 2019.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha has defended his decision to retain junta-era powers, including the right to detain suspects for seven days on national security grounds.
Despite the easing of security controls, nearly 2,000 people have been tried in military courts since Prayut seized power in a 2014 coup.
Human rights groups have expressed concern that the continued use of these powers undermines the country's transition to democracy.
"This is martial law used during an emergency crisis, but we've had elections and a new government so why is it still imposed?" said Anon Chalawan of legal monitoring group iLaw.
Prayut's decision has been met with criticism from political opponents, who argue that the process of installing him as civilian prime minister was flawed.
Thailand held elections in March, but Prayut's legitimacy has been questioned due to the temporary suspension of his biggest rival from parliament.
Prayut is expected to form a cabinet in the coming days, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding his government.
Published on July 10, 2019, by Agence France-Presse.
