On 26 May 2020, the Thai government approved the extension of emergency powers under the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situation (2005). Amnesty International further urges the authorities to lift charges it has imposed on individuals who are being penalized for exercising their right to freedom of expression; stop the arbitrary detention of refugees and migrants; and refrain from using restrictions to target critics with disproportionate punishments based on politically-motivated grounds. While the right to freedom of peaceful assembly can be restricted where doing so is necessary and proportionate to protect public health, those facing charges for assembling in breach of physical distancing measures must never face prison sentences.
