The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) of Thailand has prohibited politicians from traveling abroad to visit former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, according to the Bangkok Post on July 22.

Following the coup in May 2014, the military government implemented "iron discipline" to stabilize security and order.

Thai army commander, General Udomdej Sitabutr, confirmed this in response to reports that Pheu Thai party MPs are seeking to travel abroad to celebrate former Prime Minister Thaksin's 66th birthday this coming Sunday.

“Members of parliament who want to travel abroad must state where they are going and clearly explain their reasons. We do not allow this because their trips could lead to subsequent ‘disruptions.’ It is clearly wrong to travel abroad to conspire to sabotage the work of the government. I am responsible for national security, and I will not let that happen,” Udomdej said.

A source from the Pheu Thai party said that most former ministers and MPs from the Pheu Thai party who have been summoned to work with the government will not be allowed to travel abroad without permission.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul argued that the ban violated a fundamental human right to freedom of movement. “I just wanted to meet Thaksin and wish him a happy birthday, why wouldn’t I be allowed? We didn’t do anything wrong,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Criminal Court has agreed to allow scholar Worachet Pakeerut, a key member of the opposition group Nitirat at Thammasat University, to travel to Germany for a short course.

It is understood that Mr. Thaksin is currently in Singapore. Several former MPs (who are not under military surveillance) visited and wished him a happy birthday earlier this month. Tomorrow, Mr. Thaksin will fly to Dubai and celebrate his birthday there.

(According to TNO)