Prior to the coup, the constitution provided for an independent judiciary. After the coup the NCPO issued orders that retained the judiciary’s procedures and functions but also prohibited judicial officials from making any negative public comments against the NCPO. Additionally, Article 44 of the interim constitution provides the NCPO with the power to
Although observers generally regarded the judiciary prior to the coup as independent, it was subject to corruption and outside influence. According to human rights groups, the lack of progress in several high-profile cases involving alleged police and military abuse continued to diminish public trust in the justice system and discourage some victims of human rights abuses (or their families) from seeking justice.
intervene “regardless of its effects on the legislative,
executive, or judiciary” to defend the country against national security threats.