<p>The deputy head of the ruling junta has told the media that a gathering in support of a detained Pheu Thai Party politician cannot be held, adding that the regime does not care about criticism from human rights groups and other nations. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<div>The deputy head of the ruling junta has warned the public not to discuss the content of the latest draft constitution, saying that it might lead to misunderstanding and conflict.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>On Tuesday, 19 April 2016, Matichon Online <a href="http://www.matichon.co.th/news/109629">reported</a> that Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, the deputy NCPO head and Minister of Defence, told the media that people should not stage any campaign relating to the referendum on the draft constitution, which will be held on 7 August,.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>According to Matichon Online, Prawit said </div>

<p>Workers at the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) have asked the court to revoke the appointment of a new director by its Policy Board, saying the appointment is unlawful. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Staff of Thai PBS led by Kowit Phothisan on Monday morning, 18 April 2016, filed a lawsuit at the Administrative Court of Bangkok against the Thai PBS Policy Board over its decision to appoint of Krissada Ruangareerat as director.</p>

<div> <div>The two-year-long investigation into a Karen activist’s disappearance has made no progress. </div></div>

<p>Environmental protection groups have filed a petition against the junta order to ease regulations on the construction of power plants, saying the order violates human rights.</p> <p>A network of eight provincial environmental protection groups and the&nbsp;<a href="http://enlawfoundation.org/newweb/?p=2688">EnLawThai Foundation (EnLaw)</a>&nbsp;on Monday, 18 April 2016, filed a joint petition to the Administrative Court of Bangkok against National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Order No. 4/2016.</p>

<p>The Ministry of Defence has defended the appointment of the junta leader’s nephew to an army post, saying that it is normal for the army to replace retired army personnel.</p> <p>Maj Gen Kongcheep Tantrawanich, spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, on Sunday, 17 April 2016, announced that the appointment of new army officers with certain skills or qualifications to replace retired officers is normal. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Thai junta has told a Pheu Thai politician known for his criticisms against the regime that he will be taken to a military camp once again for re-education.</p>

<div> <div>The Thai junta leader and Prime Minister has suggested that cabinet members read The Governance of China, a book authored by Chinese President Xi Jinping, claiming that Thailand is in a reform period like China’s.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>On Tuesday, 12 April 2016, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, told the media at Government House that Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the junta leader and PM, introduced “The Government of China”, a book authored by Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, to cabinet members, <a href="http://www.matichon.co.t</p> </a></div></div>

<p>Conveying his good wishes to the Thai people for the upcoming Songkran Holiday, the Thai junta leader has warned Thai women that they should be wrapped nicely like candies.</p> <p><a href="http://www.matichon.co.th/news/103313">Matichon Online</a>&nbsp;reported on Tuesday, 12 April 2016, that Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, the junta leader and Prime Minister, greeted Songkran well-wishers before the cabinet meeting at Government House.</p>

<p>Academics and a female Buddhist monk conclude that the draft constitution is a step backward on freedom of religion.</p>

<div>Not only Pheu Thai’s red bowls, but medical kits from the Democrats are also a threat to national security.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>On Monday, 11 April 2016, the state authorities confiscated 1,271 medical kits from a Democrat Party politician’s house in the central province of Kamphaeng Phet, saying that it is a symbolic political act which could threaten national security, <a href="http://manager.co.th/Local/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9590000037148">reported</a> ASTV Manager Online. </div>

<div>The junta is attempting to abandon the universal healthcare scheme, one of the most acclaimed policies of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and replace it with a co-payment system. Analysts say under the draft constitution, healthcare will be no longer a state obligation, but state assistance to the poor. &nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Amid news that the junta plans to reduce the budget for the universal healthcare scheme, formerly known as 30-baht policy, and ultimately abolish it, the equal right to healthcare has been removed from the draft constitution. </div>