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Apart from the anniversary of October 6, 1976 coup, there art other things occuring on this issue that are of interest.

In the next few days, 17 student leaders and I trade unionist will be on trial for their lives in a closed military court in Bangkok. Charges against them range from "Lese Majeste" (offence against the King) through "being communists" to the "killing of government officials". Included among the 18 are 2 student leaders, Sutham Saengpratum and Orisa Irawonwut, whose cases have been publicised already this year. The 18, if convicted have no recourse to appeal and can be executed merely on the order of the Prime Minister, Thanin Kraivichien, placed there by the military.

Just like any other country, Thailand does not like to be embarrassed internationally by having its dirty linen aired overseas. It is therefore susceptible to international pressure, such as the sort we can demand that our government being to bear. Also, when Thai "dignitaries" visited New Zealand, they too can be pressured, as two members of the Thai Royal Family found out when they were presented with letters (one signed by female leaders of various organisations and the other by large numbers of academics from Victoria University) asking them to intercede on behalf of the eighteen.

Next March, the Thai P.M. is visiting New Zealand at the invitation of Muldoon. While visiting Bangkok a couple of months ago, Muldoon told reporters that "the future of New Zealand is woven in with that of Thailand". Friends of Thailand totally opposes that notion. Firstly, we believe that there should be absolutely no New Zealand support for the Thai military and secondly, we strongly oppose the idea that we are heading for a future similar to Thailand's unfortunate one, as Muldoon appears to imply.

We believe that, in the long term, the future of the people of Thailand is bright, that they will overcome the oppression in their country and move towards lasting and real freedom. The statement made six months ago by the leaders of the National Student Centre of Thailand (NSCT) coincides closely with our views ..........

"We, the NSCT leaders who have escaped from the bloody suppression campaigns of the reactionary ruling class, announce here that we will not bow to the fascist dictators. We will resolutely struggle, and adopt a concrete measure to claim the blood debt which the reactionary ruling class committee against the people. We will hold high the NSCT's glorious spirit of struggling for independence and democracy. We will unite with all classes of people, political parties, political movements and organisations, patriots, democrats, and struggle to achieve genuine independence and democracy".