Martial law is not a coup: Thai Army chief

[webfact]

POLITICS
Martial law is not a coup : Army chief

BANGKOK: -- Army Commander in Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha on Tuesday reiterated the imposition of martial law is not a coup and people should not be concerned.

Speaking on a special televised programme, Prayuth said the military is seeking to restore order and asks political groups to halt their protests.

The centre set up under the martial law can enforce any law under the martial law act to control the situation effectively.

The martial law is imposed on Tuesday after a meeting between senators and the government on Monday failed to break the ongoing political deadlock.

-- The Nation 2014-05-20

[brewsterbudgen]

Ridiculous. If it's not a coup is the caretaker PM still in charge?

[lomatopo]

What legal/constitutional authority does the Thai Army have to declare Martial Law?

[MGP]

What legal/constitutional authority does the Thai Army have to declare Martial Law?

Besides the legal/constitutional authority, that they surely have (that has already been detailed at other threads), it is their duty to protect the citizens of Thailand when the Police/CAPO are neglecting their duties. That is what they are doing.

Edited May 20, 2014 by MGP

[Tatsujin]

Ridiculous. If it's not a coup is the caretaker PM still in charge?

They stated earlier that the Government is still functioning/"in charge" . . . the Army is "only" dealing with the security issues.

[Lancelot]

What legal/constitutional authority does the Thai Army have to declare Martial Law?

Believe it or not, the Thai Army has the right to declare martial law, granted by the Thai Constitution.

The Red's were starting to mass and it looks as if the army declared martial law to keep the antagonists separated.

Martial Law won't resolve the ongoing political crisis, it only delays the day of reckoning...

[Cnxforever]

What legal/constitutional authority does the Thai Army have to declare Martial Law?

Perhaps from a document they purchased in Khao San Road?

More likely the constitution they have written to suit them in 2007 - approved in a referendum after blackmailing the entire nation if it is not approved the coup makers will pick one - hinting it might be the 1959 charter - likely the most repressive charter in Thai history!

Edited May 20, 2014 by Cnxforever

[clockman]

It was affecting there income! When you have got 300 generals, in the trough.

[PREM-R]

What legal/constitutional authority does the Thai Army have to declare Martial Law?

From the BBC website

"The military statement was signed by army chief Prayuth Chan-Ocha, citing a 1914 law that allows it to intervene during times of crisis." .

[TimCM]

If not a coup, why would they not have done this in conjunction without consulting the govt?

How does taking over media outlets fit what he is saying also?

Surely if they announced this with the govt and kept both side separated, then everyone would be happy. But now it still looks like another power play.

[bino]

I don't see how it can be called a coup if there is no functioning government in place.

It has been totally expected by most people anyway. It was only a matter of time before this happened, as it is the normal course of action in the scheme of Thai politics.

[somjitr]

What legal/constitutional authority does the Thai Army have to declare Martial Law?

From a 100-year-old law passed when Thailand was an absolute monarchy actually

[saakura]

What legal/constitutional authority does the Thai Army have to declare Martial Law?

From the BBC website

"The military statement was signed by army chief Prayuth Chan-Ocha, citing a 1914 law that allows it to intervene during times of crisis." .

No wonder it took them such a long time. Must have searched all the old records to finally find this 100 year old law from the archives.

[chotthee]

If not a coup, why would they not have done this in conjunction without consulting the govt?

How does taking over media outlets fit what he is saying also?

Surely if they announced this with the govt and kept both side separated, then everyone would be happy. But now it still looks like another power play.

Because there isn't a government in Bangkok now.

[Hulkster]

Suthep couldn't do it with people power, they couldn't do it blocking elections, they couldn't do it with the courts, so they're going to do it with the army like they've always done

The army wants a fight and it looks like they'll get it.

[TimCM]

If not a coup, why would they not have done this in conjunction without consulting the govt?

How does taking over media outlets fit what he is saying also?

Surely if they announced this with the govt and kept both side separated, then everyone would be happy. But now it still looks like another power play.

Because there isn't a government in Bangkok now.

But there is a caretaker government as confirmed at the time of YL's dismissal by the CC. The yellows wanted the whole cabinet removed but this was not done.

[stickyrice2000]

It's not a coup. It's just an intervention to restore peace for the nation. You know it's sort of like I slap your face and I call it 'touching'. LOL

[MGP]

The posts of Thai Visa friends unhappy with the army are growing like mushrooms.

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 Police, or the CAPO forces, or Surapong's Special Elite Forces, or Chalerm's boys?

Please, leave political opinions aside and 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.

Edited May 20, 2014 by MGP

[mccw]

Good to head off violence before it spiralled out of control.

Reds and yellows massing and clashing with pitched battles through central bangkok would have been a nightmare; especially given the weapons involved these days. Think what it would have done to the economy and all that; let alone the terrible loss of lives likely. Good move Thai Army. Thank you.

[noitom]

Until a government head addresses the Thai nation and describes next steps, it is in fact a military coup and currently a military dictatorship.

[Nickymaster]

Suthep couldn't do it with people power, they couldn't do it blocking elections, they couldn't do it with the courts, so they're going to do it with the army like they've always done

The army wants a fight and it looks like they'll get it.

Just stop it. If you know a little about Thai politics you know that the current system is perfectly set up to abuse power.

Educate yourself and stop making silly red comments. Thailand needs reform and democracy. Simple as that. There will be elections soon, don't worry. After reform, the rules will be the same for everyone, don't worry.

[rabas]

If not a coup, why would they not have done this in conjunction without consulting the govt?

How does taking over media outlets fit what he is saying also?

Surely if they announced this with the govt and kept both side separated, then everyone would be happy. But now it still looks like another power play.

Probably because the govt was not interested in peace? 1) caretaker minister's adviser caught transporting M16 war weapons, 2) CAPO states they will protect reds who are not being attacked!, but adds "we believe violent attacks against the PRDC will (should?) continue!" (dozens killed, 100s wounded, blah, blah). Just guessing here, I don't think the government thought peace was in their own personal interest, but M16s were.

Edited May 20, 2014 by rabas

[TimCM]

Until a government head addresses the Thai nation and describes next steps, it is in fact a military coup and currently a military dictatorship.

exactly

Lets hope this happens

[Scamper]

Prayuth has in swift order obtained the kind of control most would not have thought possible. He did it by keeping it close to the vest. He did not inform Niwattumrong in advance, nor CAPO - whose services have been relieved - nor some other agencies more loyal to Pheu Thai. Jatuporn has likely been taken completely off-guard. His rally has been completely surrounded and contained. The PDRC has called off their walk in deference to the military. Prayuth's actions bring an immediate sense of control and has lowered the temperature considerably. But his actions also leave clues. The impediments that Pheu Thai was routinely erecting against the Senate, the Constitutional Court, the NACC, and the PDRC - have all vanished. Though the Pheu Thai administration is still there ( to say " in charge " would be pushing it ) it is also clear that this move came after talks with the Senate and Niwattumrong broke down yesterday after he refused to step down. As a consequence, all obstructions for the Senate's deliberation have now been removed. Quite likely they will do what they have been quietly preparing to do, and that is nominate a prime minister. Contrary to the believe of many, they will truly find someone who is acceptable to both Pheu Thai and the Democratic party. What moves the Senate first and foremost is the awareness that the country - and this would be true for any country - can't function indefinitely without a fully functioning prime minister and cabinet. Likely, they would have limited powers, and would provide the kind of climate where finally a real discussion among all parties can take place, and reform can slowly take shape through such a consensus. It is as hopeful a climate as we've seen in a long time, and it will require the interest and participation of all Thais.

Edited May 20, 2014 by Scamper

[MGP]

Until a government head addresses the Thai nation and describes next steps, it is in fact a military coup and currently a military dictatorship.

The former PM has never addressed the Thai Nation when very serious issues were happening. I'm not sure if that is going to happen now.

That incompetence of the government is, precisely, one of the triggers of all this mess.

[chotthee]

Prayuth has in swift order obtained the kind of control most would not have thought possible. He did it by keeping it close to the vest. He did not inform Niwattumrong in advance, nor CAPO - whose services have been relieved - nor some other agencies more loyal to Pheu Thai. Jatuporn has likely been taken completely off-guard. His rally has been completely surrounded and contained. The PDRC has called off their walk in deference to the military. Prayuth's actions bring an immediate sense of control and has lowered the temperature considerably. But his actions also leave clues. The impediments that Pheu Thai was routinely erecting against the Senate, the Constitutional Court, the NACC, and the PDRC - have all vanished. Though the Pheu Thai administration is still there ( to say " in charge " would be pushing it ) it is also clear that this move came after talks with the Senate and Niwattumrong broke down yesterday after he refused to step down. As a consequence, all obstructions for the Senate's deliberation have now been removed. Quite likely they will do what they have been quietly preparing to do, and that is nominate a prime minister. Contrary to the believe of many, they will truly find someone who is acceptable to both Pheu Thai and the Democratic party. What moves the Senate first and foremost is the awareness that the country - and this would be true for any country - can't function indefinitely without a fully functioning prime minister and cabinet. Likely, they would have limited powers, and would provide the kind of climate where finally a real discussion among all parties can take place, and reform can slowly take shape through such a consensus. It is as hopeful a climate as we've seen in a long time, and it will require the interest and participation of all Thais.

In a coup, you don't tip off the government.

Failed coup is punish by death.

[Payboy]

If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, quacks like a duck.....

[MGP]

OMG!

If Jatuporn says "this is NOT a coup", perhaps we may have to believe that it is really a coup!

When has that man said the truth?

Edited May 20, 2014 by MGP

[somjitr]

Whatever name you call it, it means one thing -- that we no longer have a civilian state.

[TimCM]

If not a coup, why would they not have done this in conjunction without consulting the govt?

How does taking over media outlets fit what he is saying also?

Surely if they announced this with the govt and kept both side separated, then everyone would be happy. But now it still looks like another power play.

Probably because the govt was not interested in peace? 1) caretaker minster's adviser caught transporting M16 war weapons, 2) CAPO states they will protect reds who are not being attacked!, but adds "we believe violent attacks against the PRDC will (should?) continue!" (dozens killed, 100s wounded, blah, blah). Just guessing here, I don't think the government thought peace was in their own personal interest, but M16s were.

I agree totally. Drag them kicking and screaming but still leave them there until an election can be held. Use the military to safeguard the election to reduce the cheating that happens on both sides.

The consequences of the military taking over will not be good for the people of Thailand