Statements From The ARC

[El Taco Loco]

Thai coup-leaders' statements

Leaders of Thailand's military coup have released a series of statements. The initial statement and communiques 1 to 4 were read out on army television and a sixth statement appeared in English on the website of The Nation newspaper. The texts of the four statements follow:

INITIAL STATEMENT

Now the Administrative Reform Group under the Democratic System with the King as the Head of State, comprising commanders of the armed forces and the National Police Bureau, has gained, without any resistance, full control of the situation in Bangkok Metropolis and nearby provinces.

For the sake of maintaining peace and order in the country, people are asked to render their co-operation. We apologise for the inconvenience.

'No intention to rule'

There has been social division like never before. Each side has been trying to conquer another with all possible means and the situation tends to intensify with growing doubts on the administration amid widespread reported corruption.

State units and independent organisations have been politically meddled [with], not able to deliver their services as specified in the Constitution.

The administration is also usually bordering on "lest majest" [as published] actions against the revered King. Despite attempts from social units for compromises, there is no way to end the conflicts.

The revolution body thus needs to seize power. We have no intention to rule but to return the power to the people as soon as possible, to preserve peace and honour the King who is the most revered to all Thais.

COMMUNIQUE NO 1

It has been clear that the administration of the country's affairs by the current caretaker government has created conflicts and division, and sowed discord among the people of the nation.

It is unprecedented in the history of the Thai nation that groups were determined to win through ways and means.

The trend is getting more violent every passing day.

The majority of the people are suspicious of extensive corruption and malfeasance practices among the bureaucracy.

Independent agencies and organisations have been dominated by politics and unable to fulfil the objectives as stipulated in the constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Consequently, political activities have encountered numerous problems and obstacles.

Frequently, the dignity of the Thai people's king was affected.

The efforts exerted by several sectors of society to alleviate the situation have failed to bring an end to the conflict.

It is necessary for the Administrative Reform Group under the Democratic System with the King as the Head of State, comprising commanders of the armed forces and the National Police Bureau, to seize national administrative power from now on.

In so doing, the Administrative Reform Group under the Democratic System with the King as the Head of State wishes to reaffirm that it has no intention to become the administrators of the country.

The administrative power under the democratic system with the king as the head of the state will be returned to the Thai people as quickly as possible in order to maintain peace and order and preserve national stability, as well as to uphold the beloved institution of the monarchy of all the Thai people.

COMMUNIQUE NO 2

All military and police personnel are ordered to report themselves to their respective commanding officers.

All forces' movements from their barracks are strictly prohibited without orders from the Administrative Reform Group under the Democratic System with the King as the Head of State.

COMMUNIQUE NO 3

The Administrative Reform Group Under the Democratic System with the King as the Head of State has successfully seized the administrative power of the country.

To maintain peace and order, the Reform Group henceforth announces that:

1) The Constitution of Thailand of BE 2540 (1997) is terminated.

2) The Senate, the House of Representatives, the Cabinet, and the Constitutional Court are terminated along with the Constitution.

3) The Privy Councillors are to continue in office.

4) All the courts except the Constitutional Court are to continue to operate as normal according to the law and the announcement of the Reform Group.

COMMUNIQUE NO 4

In compliance with some laws that prescribe the duties and authority of the prime minister and the ministers, the leader of the Administrative Reform Group under the Democratic System with the King as the Head of State Reform Group has issued the following orders:

1) During the period in which the office of the prime minister is vacant, all the executive powers and duties that the law prescribed to a prime minister or the cabinet shall be delegated to the leader of the Reform Group and to those whom the leader of the Administrative Reform Group shall assign them.

2) During the period in which the offices of the ministers are vacant, all the executive powers and duties prescribed by law to each and every minister shall be delegated to the permanent secretary of that respective ministry, except when otherwise ordered by the leader of the Administrative Reform Group.

BBC

[Jai Dee]

5th announcement of Administrative Reform Committee under the Constitutional Monarchy allows university students to participate in politics

The fifth announcement of the Administrative Reform Committee under the Constitutional Monarchy allows university students to participate in political issues.

The Administrative Reform Committee under the Constitutional Monarchy realizes that university students are the future force of the country, and they are allowed to have a say in politics, especially during the period of general election under the democratic system and the constitutional monarchy. The general election will be run in a transparent manner without vote-buying activities and any interference from influential figures.

Univesity students, who would like to voice their opinions on the development of the political system under constitutional monarchy, are invited to send their suggestion to the Office of the Army Secretary at Ratchadamnoennok (ราชดำเนินนอก) Road in Phra Nakhon (พระนคร) District of Bangkok, P.O. 10200.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

The 6th announcement of the Administrative Reform Committee under the Constitutional Monarchy is concerned over the issues of Thailand’s workers and farmers

The Administrative Reform Committee under the Constitutional Monarchy has issued its 6th announcement, stating that it is concerned for the Thai labourers and farmers’ difficulties.

The Administrative Reform Committee under the Constitutional Monarchy has acknowledged their sufferings, and it has no intention to worsen them. The committee is attempting to solve the problems in Thailand and bring back peace and unity to the kingdom. Therefore, the committee has asked the workers and agriculturists to stay in peace and to cease themselves from causing unconstructive movements, as the ill-intentioned people may use this opportunity to intensify the current political situation.

As for the troubles of the workers and farmers, the Administrative Reform Committee under the Constitutional Monarchy has reaffirmed its intention to seek for ways to assist them.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

The 8th announcement of the Administrative Reform Committee under the Constitutional Monarchy prohibits commodity hoard

The 8th announcement of the Administrative Reform Committee under the Constitutional Monarchy has ordered the prohibition of commodity hoard.

The Administrative Reform Committee under the Constitutional Monarchy has temporarily taken control of the national government, in order to restore peace in the country and to provide a fair treatment to the general public. Therefore, commodity dealers are disallowed to raise their product prices or overstocking products.

Those who violate the order will face a fine of 400,000 baht or a maximum of two years of imprisonment, or both.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 September 2006

[El Taco Loco]

Wednesday's address by K. Sonthi, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5362332.stm

Thai army chief's statement in full

Gen Sonthi appeared in front of portraits of the king and queen

This is the full text of the statement read on Thai TV on Wednesday by Army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, following Tuesday's coup:

Dear fellow countrymen and women, the Administrative Reform Group Under the Democratic System with the King as the Head of State, has successfully seized the administrative power.

As a result, the constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand , the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Cabinet, and the Constitution Court have ceased to exist.

In this connection, the Administrative Reform Group Under the Democratic System with the King as the Head of State - comprising the supreme commander and commanders of the armed forces and the National Police Bureau - has the opinion that the administration of the country by the caretaker government has created severe division unprecedented in Thai society.

The practices of corruption and malfeasance and nepotism are apparently rampant within the bureaucracy.

Moreover, there is interference with independent organizations to the extent that they are unable to perform their duties or resolve problems of the country.

If the situation is allowed to continue, national stability and economy will be affected as a whole.

Occasional political activities could have affected the dignity of His Majesty the King - the beloved monarch of the Thai people.

Therefore, the Reform Group Under the Democratic System with the King as the Head of State has the necessity to seize the administrative power in order to control and rectify the situation and bring normalcy to the country and quickly restore the people's unity.

In so doing, the Reform Group Under the Democratic System with the King as the Head of State wishes to reaffirm that it has no intention to become the administrator of the country itself, and it will return the democratic administrative power with the king as the head of state to the Thai people as soon as possible.

The group has pledged to maintain peace and order and preserve the stability of the beloved nation of the Thai people. We hereby request our fellow countrymen and women to stay calm and support our noble aspirations.

Thank you.

[marshbags]

BREAKING NEWS FROM THE BBC NEWS U.K. 20-09-06 at 15.29

Gen Sonti says the military will only remain in power for 2 weeks after which a new prime minister will be chosen

marshbags

[Jai Dee]

ARC announces appointments of AMC leaders

The Administrative Reform Council issues its 11th announcement to appoint members of the council as following:

1 Supreme Commander Gen Ruangroj Mahasaranon becomes chief adviser of the ARC.

2 Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin becomes chief of the ARC.

3 Navy Commander-in-Chief Adm Sathiraphan Keyanon becomes first deputy chief of ARC.

4 Air Force Commander-in-Chief ACM Chalit Pookpasuk becomes second deputy chief of ARC.

5 Police Commissioner-General Pol Lt Gen Kowit Wattana becomes third deputy chief of the ARC

6 National Security Council secretary-general Gen Winai Phatthiyakul becomes secretary-general of the ARC.

Source: The Nation - 20 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

11th announcement of the Administrative Reform Council

Army commander-in-chief Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน), as head the Administrative Reform Council, names high-level military and police commanders to key posts within the council.

Supreme Commander Gen. Ruangroj Mahasaranond (เรืองโรจน์ มหาศรานนท์) is the council’s chief adviser. Navy chief Adm. Sathirapan Keyanond (สถิรพันธุ์ เกยานนท์), air force chief ACM Chalit Pukpasuk (ชลิต พุกผาสุข) and police chief Pol. Gen. Kowit Watthana (โกวิท วัฒนะ) are deputy heads of the council.

National Security Council secretary-general Gen. Winai Patthiyakul (วินัย ภัทธิยะกุล) is secretary-general of the Administrative Reform Council.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

12th announcement of the Administrative Reform Council

The Administrative Reform Council dissolves the Auditor-General Commission but keeps the auditor-general in office.

In its 12th announcement, the council said the organic law on state audit remains in force except part of section 1.

It said any power belonging to the Auditor-General Commission under that law can now be exercised by Auditor-General Khunying Jaruwan Maintaka. (จารุวรรณ เมณฑะกา)

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

13th announcement of the Administrative Reform Council

His Majesty the King has appointed army chief Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน) as chairman of the Administrative Reform Council.

The council seized power from the Thaksin Shinawatra government on September 19, citing conflicts among different groups, disunity of the people, rampant corruption and manipulation of independent organizations by politicians as the reasons.

The council said in its 13th announcement that the King asked his people to stay calm and all state officials to listen to orders of Gen. Sonthi.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Ex Ministers ordered to report to the Administrative Reform Council today

Chairman of the Administrative Reform Council Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน) orders former ministers Yongyuth Tiyapairat (ยงยุทธ ติยะไพรัช) and Newin Chidchob (เนวิน ชิดชอบ) to report to the council within noon today.

Gen Sonthi said in the order that the council wanted to prevent problems and obstacles that may cause to national administration.

Both Mr. Yongyuth and Mr. Newin were close aides of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

EC starts their new tasks righ after have been designated by Administrative Reform Council under the Constitutional Monarchy

The Election Commission (EC) has started working right after the Administrative Reform Council under the Constitutional Monarchy has designated the EC members.

The 13th announcement of the Administrative Reform Council under the Constitutional Monarchy has designated the EC and given them authority to manage all issues related to the election in a transparent manner. Election Commissioner Sumet Upanisakorn (สุเมธ อุปนิสากร), who is responsible in the activities involving other agencies’ participation, and other EC members had a meeting today at the EC Office today.

At the same time, caretaker EC Deputy Secretary-General Sathapon Santibutr (สถาพร สันติบุตร) held a meeting with the officials to inform the direction of the operation, after he acknowledged the policies issued by the Administrative Reform Council under the Constitutional Monarchy.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

EC says it would have to meet the Administrative Reform Council for advises over general election

The Election Commission (EC) stated that it does not feel uncomfortable following the assignment to look after the local election only, adding that it would have to meet with the Administrative Reform Council under the Constitutional Monarchy for further advises.

Election Commissioner Sumeth Upanisakorn (สุเมธ อุปนิสากร) said that the EC is currently studying the Administrative Reform Council's announcement concerning the EC's authority. He said the EC members are unsure of their statuses.

Mr. Sumeth said that the announcement of the Administrative Reform Council has authorized the EC to watch over the local election only. He said the matter will be discussed with all EC members. He said there should be no problems if the EC members have been instructed to be responsible for the local election only because they are already prepared. He added that the EC would have to meet with the Administrative Reform Council for additional advises and clarification of their performances.

Mr. Sumeth stated that he personally does not have any difficulty with the EC’s authority to oversee the local election as he has the intention to work for the country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Newin and Yongyuth report themselves to the ARC

Former Prime Minister’s Office Minister Newin Chidchob and former Natural Resources and Environment Minister Youngyuth Tiyapairat reported themselves to the Administrative Reform Council today.

The two ousted ministers appeared at the ARC headquarters on Ratchadamnoen-nok Avenue. Both were close aides and strong defenders of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Mr. Newin reportedly arrived before noon, while Mr. Yongyuth arrived just before 1 pm today.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

CDRM wants the public to halt political activites until a temporary constitution is enforced

Spokesman of the Council of Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) Palangkun Klaharn (พลางกูร กล้าหาญ) asks the public wanting to hold political activities or express political opinions to wait until the country has a new constitution.

Lt. Gen. Palangkun said CDRM plans to issue a temporary charter and also to set up a government to hold the general election in the next two weeks.

He said the public should wait until after these 14 days and they can then exercise their freedom of expression.

CDRM revoked the 1997 constitution and terminated the cabinet following the September 19 power seizure.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

CDRM holds ex-ministers Yongyuth Tiyapairat and Newin Chidchob

Former ministers Yongyuth Tiyapairat (ยงยุทธ ติยะไพรัช) and Newin Chidchob (เนวิน ชิดชอบ) have been confined within the army headquarters after reporting to the Council of Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) yesterday.

Army secretary Weerun Chanthasartkosol (วีรัณ ฉันทศาสตร์โกศล) said the ex-natural resources and environment minister and ex PM’s Office minister are safe and well taken care of.

Former deputy prime minister Chidchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) and Prommin Lertsuridej (พรหมินทร์ เลิศสุริย์เดช), former secretary-general of the prime minister, have been confined within the Safety Protection Center at Ram Indra road since CDRM seized power from the Thaksin Shinawatra government on September 19.

Reports said they will be released after the new government is set up.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Their Majesties the King and Queen grant an audience to leaders of the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy, which is led by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, and Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda on Wednesday.

Royal Household Photo - The Nation - 22 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Pol. Maj. Gen. does not feel sorry with CDRM's order to transfer him

Former Prime Minister’s Office Permanent-Secretary, Pol. Maj. Gen. Peeraphan Prempooti (พีรพันธ์ เปรมภูติ), said that he does not regret the announcemen of the Council of Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM), ordering him to work on the tasks at the Prime Minister’s Office. He also said that he will end his political role following his retirement.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Peeraphan said that he did not know in advance that the CDRM would transfer him to help work on the tasks at he Prime Minister’s Office. He said that he knew the order through the television broadcast yesterday. He said that it was unfortunate that he had worked for only 49 days. No further order has been issued as he has reported himself to the CDRM. He said that he will retire in 2009 and will no longer get involved in political matters.

As for the atmosphere at the Government House, soldiers from Lopburi (ลพบุรี) Province are still securing the venue.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Demoted Peeraphan reports himself

Peeraphan Premputi, who has been demoted from the post of permanent secretary for PM's Office, reported himself to the coup makers Friday.

Peeraphan told Government House reporters that he failed to report himself to the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy on Wednesday because he had just returned from France on Thursday.

Peeraphan was speaking to reporters after packing his belonging at his office.

He said he had no problem over the CDRM's order to remove him as the permanent secretary, to which he was appointed two months ago.

He was among four senior officials close to Thaksin, who were sidelined to inactive posts at PM's Office.

Source: The Nation - 22 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

The 17th announcement of CDRM allows CDRM to have all powers of PM and the cabinet

The 17th announcement of the Council of Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) states that the legitimate authorities of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet will be handed over to the CDRM.

According to the 17th announcement, the transfer of power will help the Royal Thai Police to manage its administration in an orderly manner. Pol. Gen. Kowit Watthana will now perform the duties of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet members instead of Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, the CDRM Chief.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

CDRM rids politicians of police board

The Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy Friday issued an order to amend the National Police Act to rid of politicians of the police professional regulating body.

The coup order No 18 appoints the police commissioner-general as chairman of the Police Civil Services Commission, instead of the prime minister.

The orders also empowers the police commissioner-general to appoint two police inspector-generals or deputy commissioner-generals as members of the commission.

The two senior police officers will then select six expert members to the board.

Source: The Nation - 22 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Sucharit called a meeting with all provincial governors

Permanent Secretary to the Interior Ministry Sucharit Patchimanan (สุจริต ปัจฉิมนันท์) has instructed provincial governors and heads of government units across the nation to continue with their works and to closely follow up with the announcements of the Council of Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM).

Mr. Sucharit chaired the meeting through video conference today and stated that provincial governors would have to follow the CDRM’s announcement and implement immediately if any announcement is directly related to them. He has also instructed provincial governors to strictly follow the announcements especially the matters relating to the political demonstration, the storage of consumer goods, and the increase of product prices. Violators will be fined and they could also be imprisoned.

Provincial governors have been prohibited to travel out of Thailand as they hold the highest responsibility for solving issues in their respective areas. They have been urged to keep close eyes on the movement of residents and to look after the government units.

Mr. Sucharit also referred to flood problems in many areas. He said governors of all provinces have been instructed to rapidly solve the problems by using existing budget and they can ask for additional budget from the Interior Ministry.

The Permanent Secretary to the Interior Ministry disclosed that annual budget for next year will be withdrawn for developing the country.

Provincial governors of the three southern border provinces have been assigned to create confidence and assist local residents which will help ease the problems in the region.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2006

[Hermano Lobo]

"A d*mn close run thing" Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, refering to his victory over Napoleon at Waterloo.

He actually said "It has been a d*mn nice thing-the nearest run thing you ever saw...", where he used nice in the archaic meaning of "careful or precise" and not the modern "attractive or agreeable" or the even more archaic meaning of "foolish".

I know some of you may be complaining about the restrictions but they are necessary.

The criminal Thaksin still has friends and allies inside and outside Thailand. He still has a load of money and many connections.

Things are never as simple as they seem and the CDRM have a very difficult and tense job on their hands. Just read today's news reports for what could have happened.

The very nature of the Criminal Thaksin and his cohorts means that they will not give up easily.

The CDRM need to be vigilant. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes.

Please be patient, and don't be upset by the moderators. Neither they or the CDRM have a great deal of choice at the moment.

Edited September 22, 2006 by Hermano Lobo

[nikster]

untangling police and politics - definitely a good thing!

[Jai Dee]

CDRM appoints nine anti-corruption commissioners

The Council of Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) yesterday appointed nine members of the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC).

The anti-graft agency calls for Panthep Klanarongran (ปานเทพ กล้าณรงค์ราญ) as its chairman. Eight other members are Klanarong Chanthik (กล้าณรงค์ จันทิก), Jaidet Pornchaiya (ใจเด็ด พรไชยา), Prasart Pongsiwapai (ประสาท พงษ์ศิวาภัย), Pakdi Pothisiri (ภักดี โพธิศิริ), Methi Krongkaew (เมธี กรองแก้ว), Wicha Mahakhun (วิชา มหาคุณ), Wichai Wiwitsewi (วิชัย วิวิชเสวี) and Somlak Jadkrabuanpon (สมลักษณ์ จัดกระบวนพล).

CDRM also declared valid the 1999 anti-corruption law and the 1999 law governing criminal actions against political post holders.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Labour leader calls on CDRM to lift the martial law

The Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC) issued a statement yesterday calling on the Council of Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) to lift the martial law on the grounds that it contradicts international human rights principle.

TLSC chairman Wilaiwan sae Tia (วิไลวรรณ แซ่เตีย) asked CDRM to cancel a ban on the gathering of labourers and farmers and assembly of more than five people. Ms. Wilaiwan also asked for freedom of the press.

She said CDRM should pull military forces out of the streets as soon as possible, speed up enforcement of the temporary constitution and let the public participate in political reform.

CDRM has imposed martial rules across the country after staging a coup on September 19.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 September 2006