Martial law is not a coup: Thai Army chief

[Rooo]

I have removed a post, there is a pinned thread some folk here should read before posting .Here is the link but I copied it & pasted it for you:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/701310-rumours-and-rumour-mongering-a-warning/

In volatile situations such as what currently exists in Bangkok, rumours, and hearsay can result in people being put in harms way. At this time we heed all members to remember this, and avoid posting inflammatory allegations, rumours, and other harmful posts that could endanger others.

Many members are in and around the areas affected and require accurate, honest, and clear information about what is happening in order to keep themselves and their families safe. It is imperative that all members pitch in to help them with this, be it by providing accurate information, or by self-moderating yourself and stifling your emotions before responding to a topic.

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That being said, we will not have any patience for outlandish behaviour right now, Disruptive people will simply be removed.

Those who have been, and are continuing to help give a clear picture to our members and ourselves, you have our thanks.

[Roadman]

Well done Khun General Prayuth Chan-Ochoa. A timely, even handed and fair response to the criminals, thugs and general scum bags on both sides of the politicial stupidity that are dragging Thailand into the sewer. One of the few in Thailland along with the newly elected in awaiting Senate chief in a position of power that has the well being of Thailand and the Thai people above their own corrupt wants. Thankfully Thailand has a worthy and stately Army General in control. One could not fault his actions right through this whole sorry state of affairs.

[Piichai]

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.

The first rule of Coup Club is, you don't talk about Coup Club.

[getthaid]

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

According to herself she was never in charge. 555

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[pkspeaker]

another question is.. is it really legal for this general Ocha guy to decide on martial law and not inform the caretaker government or did he inform 'current' defense minister Yingluck (who is still awaiting The Council of State) advise on her status of caretaker DM and she couldn't get to them being on vacation as she is..

Edited May 20, 2014 by pkspeaker

[Piichai]

CAPO is suspended. Army set up alternative PKCC.

It looks like the UDD rally get special attention as opposed to Sutheps rally.

Articles of the constitution will be suspended.

The army excersices heavy media censorship.

It looks more like a military coup then anything else right now.

Perhaps you're right. Perhaps Prayuth is allowing the cabinet to resign gracefully for the good of the country.

[Gweiloman]

whether it's a coup or not will be determined soon,

IF martial law means the caretaker govt and EC meet and a new election is scheduled, AND the military and it's 'martial law-CRES' agrees to guarantee security so thugs do not prevent people from voting, then it's not a coup, it's simply providing security for a democratic government..

BUT the fact that the military didn't inform the caretaker govt when they abolished CAPO and replaced it with CRES-that is not democratic.

IF martial law means the military CRES is going to back the appointed senators plan to install an appointed dictator with full powers, then it most certainly is stage 1 of a 2 stage coup.

I tend to believe that it's not a coup and that the first part of your post is spot on.

As to whether the caretaker govt was informed or not, they might have known of it "off the record" earlier. They can then publicly announce that they were not "officially" informed so as to keep the anti-govt protestors pacified for the time being.

Whatever happens, let's hope that peace continues to prevail, as it had for the past few months.

[Piichai]

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

There is a difference between a coup and martial law. The PM and the government have not been ousted.

Create power vacuum by courts - take over security by army - appoint government by senate

Game, set & match

Reds can't do anything or army will shoot them.

Of course in the long run it only deepens the hatred & division.

PTP lost a lot of Red support with the amnesty bill shenanigans, and PTP's failure to pay the farmers.

The political landscape has changed since a year ago. It looks like a good time for reforms.

[Piichai]

another question is.. is it really legal for this general Ocha guy to decide on martial law and not inform the caretaker government or did he inform 'current' defense minister Yingluck (who is still awaiting The Council of State) advise on her status of caretaker DM and she couldn't get to them being on vacation as she is..

If you check the archives, you'll find that Acting Caretaker PM replaced Yingluck on Day One.

[Zolt]

another question is.. is it really legal for this general Ocha guy to decide on martial law and not inform the caretaker government or did he inform 'current' defense minister Yingluck (who is still awaiting The Council of State) advise on her status of caretaker DM and she couldn't get to them being on vacation as she is..

Technically it would seem so. Article 188 of the constitution says that the "military authority" can declare martial law unilaterally in part of the country if it deems there is an emergency. They do not have to consult the government, caretaker or not. Needless to say this is quite unique to Thailand.

Only a royal decree can lift the martial law.

So right this minute, an army general and a group of unelected, career bureaucrats are discussing to find a solution to the country's problems. But what if *they* are the problem?

[Tedhead]

Of course it's a coup. Suthep and the reds couldn't get power via the ballot box, they couldn't get it via the courts, so now they return to their usual tactic of last resort, the military coup.

It's what the military want, it's what the palace wants and it's what the judiciary wants. The problem is, it isn't what the Thai people want. The Democrats have lost every election for the past twenty years. So what happens when military rule is rescinded and fresh elections are held?

The reds' party - in whatever incarnation - will win. And then what? Another judicial coup? Another military coup?

Bloodshed, rinse, repeat.

[Hulkster]

The army won't let an election take place.

[whybother]

The army won't let an election take place.

Why not? They have before.

[catweazle]

If it smells like a rat, it most certainly is...

Better this than seeing the Reds and Suthep's Sheeple clash in the city of angels and chop each others' heads off.

Thanks Mr. Army Chief for calming everyone down, even if this requires telling white lies.

Thanks also three times to the Shin family, Suthep and all the others involved for ripping this beautiful country apart. May you and all your followers receive punishment that fits the crime.

Edited May 20, 2014 by catweazle

[Pralaad]

If it smells like a rat, it most certainly is...

Better this than seeing the Reds and Suthep's Sheeple clash in the city of angels and chop each others' heads off.

Thanks Mr. Army Chief for calming everyone down, even if this requires telling white lies.

Thanks also three times to the Shin family, Suthep and all the others involved for ripping this beautiful country apart. May you and all your followers receive punishment that fits the crime.

Rip beautiful country apart ??? What was ripped? And what was beautiful?

[mikemac]

How can anyone describe what happened today as a coup ? A coup is usually associated with the overthrow or booting out of a government, whereas the piss-poor excuse for a government Thailand has been burdened with for the past three years has already overthrown itself !

More like an anti climax I would say.

[Baerboxer]

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.

Perhaps because the "government' is in fact in caretaker mode, with an acting caretaker PM whose legitimacy has to be decided. Add to this that a senior PTP official was found with a large hoard of illegal weapons which other PTP officials and senior RTP officers tried to hush up. Add to this the "war cries and threats' of the red shirt leaders supporting PTP. Add to this the ineffective protection and complete bias shown by CAPO, DSI and RTP to anyone speaking out against PTP. Add to this the failure to prevent or catch anyone for indiscriminate murders and attacks on anyone who speaks out against PTP, including innocents and those related to anyone PTP doesn't like.

Seems easy to see why they wouldn't do this in conjunction with an administration like this. Besides which, PTP would never have agreed. They can't control the army like do with CAPO/DSI/RTP.

[OZEMADE]

How can anyone describe what happened today as a coup ? A coup is usually associated with the overthrow or booting out of a government, whereas the piss-poor excuse for a government Thailand has been burdened with for the past three years has already overthrown itself !

More like an anti climax I would say.

The next thing to take place at the Military's pleasure if required will be a Curfew. Have to stay in the bars until morning. you bewdy mate.

[gcdhar]

Thanks to Thai Army. Restoration of peace in the land of smile is vital.

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[hardy1943]

I take the military anytime over both goons the red and yellow. I hope the hold there ground. IMO they are much more fair and Democratic.

Crazy as it sound yes the last time they took over they where more democratic and they put a stop no more harassment and childish behaviour from the men in brown.

[Mr Yim]

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.

I think you are being rather naive believing that after reform the rules will be the same for everyone. This is nothing more than an attempted power grab. The Democratic Party are unelectable as they stand. They are the ones in most urgent need of reform.

[a99az]

OK so what do you call it when an army declares martial law and places troops on the streets with out the consent or the peoples elected representatives?

[kjhbigv]

Makes complete sense to me. Step in to ensure rival factors don't escalate any further violence until a new "democratically" elected government is formed.

The only issue is that the underlying issues will still be there after that event.

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[wandasloan]

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

Yes. The current Constitution (2007) specifically authorises martial law if necessary. If there is martial law, it is regulated under the Martial Law Act of 1914.

A substantial number of experts says today's martial law is illegal because the notacoup-makers did not obtain the required Royal Proclamation in that 1914 act. I am certain this will keep Gen Prayuth awake in deep worry and shame.

.

[Piichai]

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

Yes. The current Constitution (2007) specifically authorises martial law if necessary. If there is martial law, it is regulated under the Martial Law Act of 1914.

A substantial number of experts says today's martial law is illegal because the notacoup-makers did not obtain the required Royal Proclamation in that 1914 act. I am certain this will keep Gen Prayuth awake in deep worry and shame.

You may want to re-read Section 4.

[Thailand]

Flew in to Chiang Mai in 2006 during the last coup. Apart from a few armed soldiers you wouldn't know anything was amiss. Outside the airport it was life as normal, guess it will be no different this time.

Military were in power, failed even more miserably than any elected government. The cause was much the same as this one, one faction didn't want the unwashed/ ignorant in power. But failed in that as well after not too long, with the PTP being voted in to office.

I am guessing we will get the same result within the next year or two. Doing the same thing over and over will only get the same result.

[george]

OPINION

A reason why Thai army may want to avoid 'coup' word is that it would invoke US sanctions. @PravitR @thomasfullerNYT @sunai @bangkokpundit

[attento]

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

But, who is in any position to stop them ?

[EyesWideOpen]

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

1700.....

[wilcopops]

Some of you westerners are living in an idealistic dream world.

Same wrong thinking that has plunged the Middle East in to chaos. Democracy yeehaa best system ever and must be applied everywhere.

Seems the evidence is that some places are not suited to it. Especially the places where the elected governments are supporting terrorists and attacks on innocent civilians.

Egypt a good example of where kicking out an elected government is a good move too.

4 out of 10 in "O' level political history.