Thailand's army invokes martial law: military TV

[ATF]

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?

It means if you are walking down Sukhumvit wit an M16 they can shoot you on sight. Shops open for biz as usual.

[mcfish]

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?

Good points

I remember that, we were walking to walking st with tourist friends when loudspeakers told everyone to go back home. My tourist friends panicked and got the first flight back home

Edited May 20, 2014 by mcfish

[moe666]

LOS is like a big pus-filled boil in dire need of a good lancing...and I don't think that this marshal law will do the trick....just sayin'

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I often wonder why people put ......just saying at the end of their post, we know your saying or writing

[grantbkk]

I guess the takeaway from all this is that we do not have to shelter in place here in Bangkok. Will it be made clear to the Thai people that they do not have to panic buy their groceries? I hope so because I would hate to see a run on my Villa Market.

I think this take over is the only way the navy is going to be able to buy their much coveted submarine fleet.

In my humble opinion this will carry on the "Amazing Thailand' theme and allow for extreme tourism for a time. My mobile is blowing up with warnings for both the Philippines and Thailand from the US State Department with travel warnings regarding unfettered violence in both countries.

Could this be a reaction to miss Thailand calling for the execution of a large percentage of her own people?

This is Thailand.

[srsv1238]

What a joke. Grow up Thailand

Sent from my SM-N900T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Piichai]

PBS is reporting that the military has ordered all media outlets to standby for an important announcement.

[Piichai]

Something must be happening in Bangkok Na. PBS is showing a lot of troops in the area.

PBS also reported troops at Ratchaprasong.

[chotthee]

PBS is reporting that the military has ordered all media outlets to standby for an important announcement.

I think it is a coup announcement.

[Civil War]

Isn't it funny how the pro-red faction on TVF have managed to convince themselves that this martial law declaration is because of Suthep's last push for victory as being too 'over the top'.

Yet the first thing the army did was surround the red shirt rally, storm CAPO HQ, dissolve it and take control and take over all state TV channels.

Those red spectacles must be seriously tinted.

Wake up guys..... It's all about YOUR camp.

[MGP]

Dear TV posters that are unhappy with the army, If you are now in Thailand, now that armed redshirt hordes were heading to Bangkok, would you really prefer to put your security in the hands of the Royal Thai Police, or the CAPO forces, or Surapong's Special Elite Forces, or Chalerm's boys?

Please, answer the question sincerely to yourself.

This is the Police Special Elite Team that was trying to arrest the Indian businessman Mr Sathit Seagal at his apartment but were stopped by a group of kind citizens. They don't even wear a proper uniform! They look like unofficial paramilitary militia fighting drug cartels. They are a complete joke!!!!

Edited May 20, 2014 by MGP

[Songhua]

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

It was across all channels. Announcement from Prayuth that protest activities will be permitted to continue but only within currently defined areas - Ratchadamnoen, Aksa and Chaeng Wattana.

[Just1Voice]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

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.

Yes, but later he DID appear, gave his reasons for not initially appearing, and the court revoked the original arrest warrant, and his bail was NOT revoked. Try reading ALL the news and not just the parts that suit you.

[Robby nz]

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.

Then I suggest you get off your bum and go and tell Gen Prayuth.

I'm sure he would be delighted to receive your expert opinion and may even withdraw the Marshal law decree.

Anyway how do you know there is not a royal decree, do you think the army do not keep in contact with their supreme commander ?

[TimCM]

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.

Its off topic so wont discuss in detail here. WW2, Japan then the allies, they lost the same war twice. Partial my arse

Try reading some history not written by the Thai's

[lvr181]

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 would have thought it was the Police job to maintain internal law and order. BUT they were incapable (for whatever reason) and now the Army has to try to do it.

[isawasnake]

This country is a total joke. I guarantee when other leaders talk about they they laugh inconsolably.

[jucel]

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.

the Paknam incident in 1893, the french advanced their gunboats upriver

Thailand has only been a country since the 1930's. Before that Siam only just staved off the French in the 1800/1900s, with a little help from the Brits!

[Cnxforever]

PBS is reporting that the military has ordered all media outlets to standby for an important announcement.

I think it is a coup announcement.

an army chief can not declare martial law! Only the government can.

It is a coup!

[noitom]

It's the lead headline on CNN

[canuckamuck]

Coup Coup Cachew dudes.

I would say they picked the right time to do it at least. It was certainly inevitable. I do dread the eventual response however.

[khunsiam]

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.

no I 'm not saying that it can ONLY be imposed in 1 specific locality, you don't get it yet: martial law all over thailand and that requires a royal decree///it does NOT require a royal decree whren it is restricted to a particular area: please read my post before replying.

[mcfish]

Im due on an International flight today 2.30pm Don Muang

Can anyone advise of traffic disruptions?

[BradinAsia]

Coups, floods, extra judicial killing sprees, occupation and burning of buildings in capital, political chaos on the streets, rice policies, corrupt governments, civil war, irrational violence and now martial law.

Sometimes I feel like I'm living in some sort of extra terrestrial soap opera rather than a country.

Probably 70% of those issues also apply to your home country.

No they don't. There were floods which were dealt with in a rational organised manner. There can be violence but not anything like it is here. As for the rest. Not at all. I would have noticed.

Dion't know where you're from, but most of these problems fit the U.S. quite well.

If you follow the news, you will find that in the U.S. --

- the right wing is now attempting to impeach (or otherwise unseat) the President;

- the police continue to arrest and handcuff little children as young as 5 years old;

- the police continue to assault or shoot to death anyone they don't like -- with impunity;

- the economic system, corrupt by design, continues to make the rich richer and the poor poorer;

- the political system is now "democracy-for-sale-to-the-highest-bidder;

- your vote has little meaning, whichever party wins, the ordinary people lose;

- the corrupt government continue to spy on its own citizens, its own friends and everyone else;

- the CIA operates drones sent to kill anyone they want to kill in any country they want;

- the U.S. Constitution is now largely a historical document of little value for civil liberties;

- floods, tornadoes, landslides, collapsing bridges, etc, etc.

I left the U.S. 22 years ago, and now live in Chiang Mai where my life is quiet and peaceful with

minimal problems and no police harassment. I have no plans to live anywhere else ever.

Edited May 20, 2014 by BradinAsia

[Tatsujin]

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.

As I said, you really need to read the Constitution and the Law a little better and not just believe all the Thaksin propaganda/misinterpretations of the law . . . Article 5 refers to what happens when Martial Law is to be ended/revoked . . . that requires a Royal Proclamation.

[brewsterbudgen]

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.

Your comment on Police ??? who should be at hand to keep the civilian population in hand. If they did the job they are paid to do no army would be needed.

I agree the police should have stopped the PDRC demonstrations months ago but did nothing.

[rabas]

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?

Same conclusions can be made based on other logic.

But yeah, Suthep knew too, of course.

1. Thaksin's meeting in Singapore.

2. Level of violence changes at rally sites.

3. M16 military weapons found in the car of a caretaker minister's car, Prayut angered.

4. 'Army' officials at OPSD train in case PDRC tries to oust Niwatthamrong. (ie, a 'different' Army)

5. Senators to implement contingency plans (plan B ad C)

6. red/yellow comments at TV reach creshendo, likes drop.

martial law

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Dunno where this is headed, but I do know one thing at least.

The news reports make it clear that one of the military's first actions under martial law, if not THE first, was to dissolve the buffoons at CAPO.

If the Army does nothing else during the time of martial law, they will have done the country a service by that decision. I'd call that getting off to a pretty promising start.

[brewsterbudgen]

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.

Your comment on Police ??? who should be at hand to keep the civilian population in hand. If they did the job they are paid to do no army would be needed.

I agree the police should have stopped the PDRC demonstrations months ago but did nothing.

[pkspeaker]

This is a coup with a 'parallel' (Yingluck govt) continuing to exist, in caretaker role CAPO was the main authority of the govt, now it is replaced by military-that is a coup..

The big question now - will the military facilitate the new election in a few months, or drag the stalemate on.. without a FULL coup there are still things that the military cannot do w/o full powers, like all govt projects that are continuing but need to be funded by a new government, also for example there is a TARIFF issue with the EU that only a new government can deal with.. so will we get an election soon, there will be no excuse for it to be sabotaged this time with the military in charge.

[Tatsujin]

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.

no I 'm not saying that it can ONLY be imposed in 1 specific locality, you don't get it yet: martial law all over thailand and that requires a royal decree///it does NOT require a royal decree whren it is restricted to a particular area: please read my post before replying.

You are referring to this:

Section 4: If there is war or insurrection in any area, the commander of military forces at least one battalion, or of any military fort, barracks or forfeited area, which has the power and duty to protect such area, shall have the power to proclaim the Martial Law within his or her responsible area. In this case, the proclamation of the Martial Law shall be reported to the Government immediately.

So, hypothetically (as we're still awaiting all the clarifications), if every commander in every province declared martial law simultaneously, you think that requires a Royal Decree? I'll say it again, this didn't happen without the Palace's prior approval, wait til after breakfast to hear the Royal endorsement.