Fugitive Thai politician sets up anti-junta organisation

Bangkok, June 24 (IANS) Charupong Ruangsuwan, a former Thai interior minister believed to be in self-imposed exile, Tuesday announced setting up of an organisation to counter the military junta.

In a video clip posted on YouTube, the former leader of Pheu Thai Party which was part of the ousted Yingluck government, said the newly-founded "Organization of Free Thais for Human Rights and Democracy " will fight against coup leaders and restore democratic rule in the country, Xinhua reported.

The junta which seized power May 22 has violated the rule of law, undermined democratic principles and encroached upon people's rights, liberty and human dignity, said the politician. He has defied the junta's order to report in and consequently faced an arrest warrant.

The anti-coup organisation, with Charupong serving as the secretary general, will operate from an undisclosed country, according to the video.

It is believed that a number of former lawmakers, academics, "red shirt" members and other anti-coup figures have joined the organisation.

Over the past month, the junta has kept a close eye on activities as well as remarks against the junta on social networks, which has resulted in the detention of a few activists.