BANGKOK — Thailand’s military-installed prime minister defended a new law that places tight restrictions on public gatherings and warned Thursday that it will be strictly enforced.
Human rights groups have voiced concern about the Public Assembly Act, which took effect Thursday, and its stiff penalties. It is the latest restrictive measure to be put in place since the military ousted an elected government in a coup last year.
Interim Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led the coup, said the law requires that protesters apply for permission from police for rallies at least 24 hours in advance. It bans all protests within 500 feet of various government buildings and comes with a variety of penalties, including up to 10 years in prison.
Human rights groups say the law gives broad powers to authorities to prohibit public assemblies on vague and arbitrary grounds.
‘‘This law violates the rights of the people,” said Nutchapakorn Nummueng, a representative of iLaw, a rights group. “We want this act revoked.’’