Thai army releases 124 politicians and activists

The Thai army announces it has now released 124 people, including politicians and activists, who were taken into custody after the coup.

A military spokesman said a total of 253 people had been summoned. Fifty-three did not report and 76 were in custody.

Conditions for the release appear to include agreeing to avoid political activity and informing the army of travel.

Coup leaders, who took power last week, received royal endorsement on Monday.

Thailand’s former PM Yingluck Shinawatra has been released but remains under some restrictions.

Aside from politicians and activists, academics have also been detained.

Thailand’s army seized power on May 22, saying it wanted to return stability to the country after months of unrest.

Leaders of the anti-government movement have been released from custody but representatives of those who support the government remain in detention.

Correspondents say there is also a degree of skepticism about the total number of people in custody, with reports of more widespread detentions.

Rights groups have expressed alarm over the detentions, as well as the tight restrictions on media.

Television stations on Wednesday aired footage from the military showing five detainees, including pro-government “red-shirt” leader Jatuporn Prompan, at an unidentified location, in an apparent move to show they were being treated well.

Experts have said that the coup is unlikely to heal highly polarized political divisions in the country.

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