Thailand's army invokes martial law: military TV

[Thaiisnotrequired]

the question: is there a royal order?

Yawn. There doesn't need to be any royal orders or decree's for the Army to impose Martial Law. Go read the Constitution and other laws of Thailand and educate yourself.

you better do: see section 188 of the constitution, which requires royal decree except when restricted to particular area.

Who is able, legally, to enact 188, currently? ... Prayuth is now..

[tezzainoz]

Idiotic - martial law all over the country!

There is only a small group of trouble makers in Bangkok! And they are obviously not able / willing to handle them!

Declare martial law in Bangkok and send Suthep where he belongs to in a prison cell!

Great message to send out to the world we can not handle a bunch of loonies roaming around in Bangkok so we declare martial law all over the country!

Next thing is of course the military will ask for a "special budget" of billions to cover their "expenses" to enforce martial law hahaha!

So now political gatherings of more than 5 people are outlawed does Suthep care? - of course not!

Will the military in force the law? Of course not!

Back to square one - after sending the message to the world that we are to stupid to handle a bunch of demonstrators!

Put the criminal Suthep in prison and hold elections!

See Post 192

[ggt]

It is about damn time!

[rosst]

Idiotic - martial law all over the country!

There is only a small group of trouble makers in Bangkok! And they are obviously not able / willing to handle them!

Declare martial law in Bangkok and send Suthep where he belongs to in a prison cell!

Great message to send out to the world we can not handle a bunch of loonies roaming around in Bangkok so we declare martial law all over the country!

Next thing is of course the military will ask for a "special budget" of billions to cover their "expenses" to enforce martial law hahaha!

So now political gatherings of more than 5 people are outlawed does Suthep care? - of course not!

Will the military in force the law? Of course not!

Back to square one - after sending the message to the world that we are to stupid to handle a bunch of demonstrators!

Put the criminal Suthep in prison and hold elections!

Aren't you a little ray of sunshine??

I think we should perhaps credit the military with not inflaming the situation and as things have calmed down a little, they can perhaps create an environment where they can intervene to maintain order whilst elections are held.

Which side is going to come out and start demonstrating leadership and put the good of the country first??

I am saddened by the turmoil that is robbing the country of the opportunities to improve the living standards of it's people.

I hope this is the "circuit breaker" that may set the process on a forward move.

[Civil War]

Idiotic - martial law all over the country!

There is only a small group of trouble makers in Bangkok! And they are obviously not able / willing to handle them!

Declare martial law in Bangkok and send Suthep where he belongs to in a prison cell!

Great message to send out to the world we can not handle a bunch of loonies roaming around in Bangkok so we declare martial law all over the country!

Next thing is of course the military will ask for a "special budget" of billions to cover their "expenses" to enforce martial law hahaha!

So now political gatherings of more than 5 people are outlawed does Suthep care? - of course not!

Will the military in force the law? Of course not!

Back to square one - after sending the message to the world that we are to stupid to handle a bunch of demonstrators!

Put the criminal Suthep in prison and hold elections!

Do you actually know anything about the last time the army had to come out?

The reds were not just burning BKK, they were burning government offices all over the north and northeast too.

Maybe you have only been here a few months.... But that aside.

The UDD have openly threatened a million reds rising up all over the north and making their way (armed) to BKK to take on the army. Ask the dopey education minister Chaturong... He was the one who made the declaration.

Cabinet minister with a car full of war weapons, police begging the military to turn a blind eye, so they could obviously get into the desired hands, that was up north too.

The PTP/UDD/CAPO were getting too close to an all out offensive.... the army has just thrown a massive spanner in the works.

And you are annoyed about it....... tough.

I am sure if you really want it, the army will let you get to the airport.

[daveAustin]

This martial law has been on the pipe-line for some months. I just wonder what happened in the background to prompt Prayuth to make a move.......

I hope Ronnie O-sullivan wins the 2014 World's..... oops too late... my hopes are ALL dashed. :'(

The rouge caching weapons might have something to do with it.

Regards Ronnie; yes, crying same, though he lost it as opposed to Selby (good though he is) winning. Ronnie was frazzled and it doesn't help that he was playing two players.

Edited May 20, 2014 by daveAustin

[chrisrazz]

Yesterday I saw a very disturbing image on FB, which has not been reported as far as I can see. The image is dated with imprint 16/5, and shows a policeman kneeling before the 'Monk', surrounded by a large group. The 'Monk' is waving his feathers while the guy is being given a hit from what looks like a Taser. Some members of the group look like they are reveling in the proceedings. If this is a sign of things to come, then marshal law is needed and most welcome. Now the military need to clean up the mess and be seen to apply the law without bias to any side, otherwise we all know what is going to happen.

[Robby nz]

Army chief declares martial law

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha Tuesday declared martial law that covers the entire nation.

The martial law took effect on 3 am.

Following the martial law declaration, the Army chief issued an order to set up the peacekeeping command to replace the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order. The Army chief is the chief of the peacekeeping command.

-- The Nation 2014-05-20

I would say there would be an excellent chance that Chalerm and Taeit will not be invited to take part.

Chalerm will have to buy his own drink from now on.

[iancnx]

Idiotic - martial law all over the country!

There is only a small group of trouble makers in Bangkok! And they are obviously not able / willing to handle them!

Declare martial law in Bangkok and send Suthep where he belongs to in a prison cell!

Great message to send out to the world we can not handle a bunch of loonies roaming around in Bangkok so we declare martial law all over the country!

Next thing is of course the military will ask for a "special budget" of billions to cover their "expenses" to enforce martial law hahaha!

So now political gatherings of more than 5 people are outlawed does Suthep care? - of course not!

Will the military in force the law? Of course not!

Back to square one - after sending the message to the world that we are to stupid to handle a bunch of demonstrators!

Put the criminal Suthep in prison and hold elections!

See Post 192

Buggah, you beat me to it....lol

[khunsiam]

the question: is there a royal order?

Yawn. There doesn't need to be any royal orders or decree's for the Army to impose Martial Law. Go read the Constitution and other laws of Thailand and educate yourself.

you better do: see section 188 of the constitution, which requires royal decree except when restricted to particular area.

Who is able, legally, to enact 188, currently? ... Prayuth is now..

Article 5 of martial law stated that only royal order can revoke the law.

[MGP]

Why does Thailand even have a military? All they do is covert power and money.

The role of the military is to defend the country and we have seen what happens if someone attacks Thailand in the past. The military runs home to cry to their mums.

Excuseme... If the security of the citizens were exclusively in the hands of the incompetent and corrupted redshirt Police, the number of 22 persons, including children, that have been killed during the protests would have been multiplied by 10.

Thanks to the presence of the unarmed soldiers at the streets surrounding the protesters, the attacks have not been too many. But now that there's evidence that there are armed militias heading to Bangkok, it's time for the Royal Thai Army to do their duty seriously: to protect Thailand and it's citizens.

[Tatsujin]

the question: is there a royal order?

Yawn. There doesn't need to be any royal orders or decree's for the Army to impose Martial Law. Go read the Constitution and other laws of Thailand and educate yourself.

you better do: see section 188 of the constitution, which requires royal decree except when restricted to particular area.

It will be announced later if it is required, cos I'm damned sure they wouldn't have done this without the support of the Palace. As it stands, they have declared martial law in multiple localities simultaneously . . .

[garvon]

Martial law or blood in the streets? No contest!

[orientalsf]

Martial law should never be invoked under any situation, an army that works against the people and becomes a police force completely misses the point they are meant to be the guardians of the country against outside forces, their role is to HELP Thai people not to fight against any of them.

The army have done NOTHING in the past few months and have been utterly ineffective in trying to stop violent attacks, let's see if they even have the balls to go and remove the few guards and the insane monk who have managed to hold onto a gigantic government complex for about 6 months. They have been getting destroyed in the south for years and were really outrageously stupid in 2010 as well.

I must respectfully disagree, the army are the guardians of the country against all foreign and domestic enemies of the state. If the Red and Yellow shirts can not come together and provide stability to the country, then I believe it is in the best interest of the country for the military to provide the stability.

[bra]

Australian TV Sky news (very vague) and ABC 24 hour news (better comments from their correspondent) have provided some Bangkok coverage. Traffic looks normal at the one intersection they showed - the army had a jeep like vehicle with a mounted machine gun ( please forgive my lack of military knowledge).

Just checking my travel insurance I am not covered in the event of martial law being declared, so there may well be a drop off in visitors. It could be worthwhile checking the fine detail of any property insurance.

[Pralaad]

Some of you guys are pretty guilable.

Few days ago Suthep had a few meetings.

Few days ago Suthep vowed to end all by 27th

Few days ago Suthep announced his surrender by 27th

Few days ago Senate was looking to install new PM

As of few days ago all removed by the courts refused to step away

Do you people really think it's a coincidence army took over?

Edited May 20, 2014 by Pralaad

[AlphMichaels]

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For Fun:

Let's keep the debate to other threads (take your pick) and keep this one for news updates on what's going on.

A stretch I know but worth a shot. lol

I usually try to avoid hitting "like" button for the moderators but this one..., just had to add another to a mailbox I never want to deal with. Sorry and "Like".

[Civil War]

Quite a typical reaction from Jattuporn.

Spend weeks whipping up hatred and threatening red uprisings.

Gets a response from the army.

Craps himself and backs away.

[khunsiam]

the question: is there a royal order?

Yawn. There doesn't need to be any royal orders or decree's for the Army to impose Martial Law. Go read the Constitution and other laws of Thailand and educate yourself.

you better do: see section 188 of the constitution, which requires royal decree except when restricted to particular area.

It will be announced later if it is required, cos I'm damned sure they wouldn't have done this without the support of the Palace. As it stands, they have declared martial law in multiple localities simultaneously . . .

right, that's the point: the martial law is it not restricted to a particular area

[Piichai]

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My news text from the other newspaper says Jatuporn is urging reds not to oppose the army.

He's trying to play nice because his bail was just revoked LOL.

Please try some reading comprehension skills. His bail was NOT revoked. The court revoked the ARREST WARRANT they had issued.

On Monday, Jatuporn failed to appear in court. The court revoked his bail and ordered Jatuporn to appear tomorrow, Wednesday 21 May.

[rebelplatoon]

Ridiculing the Thai Army is not really in our league. They actually do have quite a few special force members that can easily cope with any situation. Besides that many coups (if in the end this will be that, depending on the proper reactions) have been welcomed with a sigh of relief in the past. I remember images of the average joe coming out and handing them flowers because, as in this case, it was time to step in.

If party and protest leaders do not 'play' well together and a blood shed is imminent, the army should defend its people. Lest we forget: the army IS Thai.

[pookiki]

In my opinion, the issue that prompted the issuance of the coup was Suthep's statement that he would 'force' the remaining ministers to resign and the possible level of chaos that could descend on Bangkok over the next few days. If Prayuth uses martial law wisely and without a coup to bring some semblance of law and order to Thailand, my hat is off to him! Maybe it will be the only path to new elections without the continual grandstanding of the PDRC/PCAD, etc. And hopefully, the red shirts will call off their rally. Thailand's economy is tanking. I sincerely hope that the imposition of martial law will be a positive move to protect democracy.

[ATF]

Why does Thailand even have a military? All they do is covert power and money.

The role of the military is to defend the country and we have seen what happens if someone attacks Thailand in the past. The military runs home to cry to their mums.

Excuseme... If the security of the citizens were exclusively in the hands of the incompetent and corrupted redshirt Police, the number of 22 persons, including children, that have been killed during the protests would have been multiplied by 10.

Thanks to the presence of the unarmed soldiers at the streets surrounding the protesters, the attacks have not been too many. But now that there's evidence that there are armed militias heading to Bangkok, it's time for the Royal Thai Army to do their duty seriously: to protect Thailand and it's citizens.

MGP why even bother answering such moronic questions. I would like to know when Thailand was attacked and the Military ran home crying? The Thai Military successfully defended itself against the Vietnamese, Burmese and Communist Lao. It's only defeat and that was partial was in WWII when the British also got their asses kicked from Singapore all the way back to India.

[casualbiker]

Is there a list of restrictions anywhere for what this actually means? I'm about to leave for Bangkok in two days.

Don't know - curfew at 9pm, not allowed to gather in groups over 5 people etc?

I would guess the same as the emergency decree that the courts dismissed because there was no requirement for it. The military have now just over ruled the courts.

Maybe because of new information. Like government officials with assault rifles in their car!

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[casualbiker]

Is there a list of restrictions anywhere for what this actually means? I'm about to leave for Bangkok in two days.

Don't know - curfew at 9pm, not allowed to gather in groups over 5 people etc?

I would guess the same as the emergency decree that the courts dismissed because there was no requirement for it. The military have now just over ruled the courts.

Maybe because of new information. Like government officials with assault rifles in their car!

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Maggusoil]

So, it looks like the Army are going to try to do the job the police should have been doing and cannot,

due to divided loyalties.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I have long held the view, that the Army are a lot less corrupt than the politicians.

Albeit, loyal to the Crown and therefore one side of politics.

However that is the way it is, in a Kingdom.

This is just a perception and seems to be why people do not fear coups in Thailand.

[Gonzo the Face]

In reply to the statement of KuhnSiam, ( right, that's the point: the martial law is it not restricted to a particular area)... I Disagree

The area stated to which it has been restricted is "Thailand"

Clearly an area with given borders.

Edited May 20, 2014 by Gonzo the Face

[lucjoker]

what means martial law?

Will the bank close ?

Restaurants close (like a few years ago,the police closed the restaurants around Pattaya and ordered everybody to drive home and stay of the streets )?

So ,what is the consequence for every day life?

Maybe i am the only one who is so ignorant?

[mcfish]

Aljazeera just went off air followed by a white printed screen and voice over, probably a ,military message

[Tatsujin]

you better do: see section 188 of the constitution, which requires royal decree except when restricted to particular area.

It will be announced later if it is required, cos I'm damned sure they wouldn't have done this without the support of the Palace. As it stands, they have declared martial law in multiple localities simultaneously . . .

right, that's the point: the martial law is it not restricted to a particular area

You're saying Martial Law can only be imposed in 1 specific locality? Since when? lol . . . they've urgently imposed Martial Law in multiple localities simultaneously . . . and as I said before, there is not a chance in hell they would have done this without the prior approval of the Palace.