Martial law is not a coup: Thai Army chief

[lvr181]

From one earlier post: "Martial Law won't resolve the ongoing political crisis, it only delays the day of reckoning..."

Maybe the day of reckoning will be delayed but there is a better chance of it being peaceful than the carry on with people, on both sides of the political spectrum, being myopic or having tunnel vision and acting like hotheads at the moment!

Only Thai people can solve this and in the end they will get the Government they deserve, regardless of what well intentioned farangs may say, because they don't care what farangs think. A pity really.

[smutcakes]

From one earlier post: "Martial Law won't resolve the ongoing political crisis, it only delays the day of reckoning..."

Maybe the day of reckoning will be delayed but there is a better chance of it being peaceful than the carry on with people, on both sides of the political spectrum, being myopic or having tunnel vision and acting like hotheads at the moment!

Only Thai people can solve this and in the end they will get the Government they deserve, regardless of what well intentioned farangs may say, because they don't care what farangs think. A pity really.

The day of reckoning is the day the unthinkable happens. Thats why 'good' people need to be in power, otherwise those instigating the current problem will be running for the high hills.

[bkkjames]

if the Government are nowhere to be found, how can there be a coup?

Edited May 20, 2014 by bkkjames

[EyesWideOpen]

Governmental steps in Thailand.....

1. There is a set of piggies at the feeding trough

2. The piggies start to get greedy, and start knocking the feeding trough around.

3. This will start to affect the money flow to the military from their own operations

4. A coup occurs, and the piggies are thrown out on their ear.

5. The military fumbles around for a few months doing a very poor job

6. New piggies show up with mountains of cash, and vote buy their way to victory in the next " election"

7. The new government has to be careful of the military, so it hands them a lot of cash for stupid things

like blimps, phony bomb detectors, etc..... Now maybe a submarine is on the way ???

Not really sure how to break this cycle, or maybe it never will be broken as long as the Thai people accept

this rather poor from of governance. This sure looks like a coup to me, the military spinning it as

" not a coup" in order to avoid sanctions is looking pretty weak at this point. When Yingluck flees the

country in a private jet, then we will know the power transfer is complete......

[myluckythai]

martial law not a coup. hihi semantics thats all

[dukebowling]

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

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.

Whew!…thanks. I was worried there for a while...

[lvr181]

Governmental steps in Thailand.....

1. There is a set of piggies at the feeding trough

2. The piggies start to get greedy, and start knocking the feeding trough around.

3. This will start to affect the money flow to the military from their own operations

4. A coup occurs, and the piggies are thrown out on their ear.

5. The military fumbles around for a few months doing a very poor job

6. New piggies show up with mountains of cash, and vote buy their way to victory in the next " election"

7. The new government has to be careful of the military, so it hands them a lot of cash for stupid things

like blimps, phony bomb detectors, etc..... Now maybe a submarine is on the way ???

Not really sure how to break this cycle, or maybe it never will be broken as long as the Thai people accept

this rather poor from of governance. This sure looks like a coup to me, the military spinning it as

" not a coup" in order to avoid sanctions is looking pretty weak at this point. When Yingluck flees the

country in a private jet, then we will know the power transfer is complete......

Unfortunately I do not think that the majority of Thai people are capable of seeing choices other than those offered to them by, those vested interests in holding power. They are told what to do, how to vote, paid to vote because they are not educated to question or reason why. Theirs has long been a "feudal" society from which they have not completely broken away from. But not prepared/capable to learn from other countries, western or not. Sad really.

[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

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.

Section 4 applies in the case of a civil war or a riot. Declaring martial law under this section does not require royal proclamation.

Section 2 applies in a more general case but requires a Royal Proclamation.

I don't believe that there has been a civil war or a riot. So the army may have acted illegally. But that hardly matters now.

[visionchaser45]

A rose by any other name...

[casualbiker]

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

Like this?

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[casualbiker]

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.

Section 4 applies in the case of a civil war or a riot. Declaring martial law under this section does not require royal proclamation.

Section 2 applies in a more general case but requires a Royal Proclamation.

I don't believe that there has been a civil war or a riot. So the army may have acted illegally. But that hardly matters now.

We don't know all the details about the assault rifles in the car or the rumor / pictures about weapons cache found in central Bangkok.

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited May 20, 2014 by casualbiker

[Acharn]

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.

I think you're wrong but never mind. It's too bad Gen. Anupong didn't do this in 2008 when the Yellow Shirts occupied Government House. There's a Thai saying, "What will happen must happen."

[baboon]

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

Authority granted by messers Smith and Wesson?

[somjitr]

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

Like this?

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Does that thing quack?

[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

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.

Section 4 applies in the case of a civil war or a riot. Declaring martial law under this section does not require royal proclamation.

Section 2 applies in a more general case but requires a Royal Proclamation.

I don't believe that there has been a civil war or a riot. So the army may have acted illegally. But that hardly matters now.

We don't know all the details about the assault rifles in the car or the rumor / pictures about weapons cache found in central Bangkok.

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Then I would say at the very least the army acted prematurely.

[MrWorldwide]

I just dont see an end to this - coup or no coup, election or no election, there will be people who go away unhappy with the outcome and determined to do whatever it takes to reverse the outcome. IMO, there is only one man who can effectively tell the paid protestors on both sides that they are harming their country. Most of us come from democracies where we have to accept the verdict at the ballot box - even if it leaves us with criminals like Bush and Cheney. Might be time for some Thais to accept that democracy isnt all whiskey and somtam.

[Piichai]

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.

Section 4 applies in the case of a civil war or a riot. Declaring martial law under this section does not require royal proclamation.

Section 2 applies in a more general case but requires a Royal Proclamation.

I don't believe that there has been a civil war or a riot. So the army may have acted illegally. But that hardly matters now.

Insurrection means violent uprising.

Some would think we have that with the Reds. Others might think we have that with PDRC. Either way, the military has their excuse.

Edited May 20, 2014 by Piichai

[lvr181]

. IMO, there is only one man who can effectively tell the paid protestors on both sides that they are harming their country.

If HE can will the protagonists allow the people to hear his message?

[Ulic]

A rose by any other name is still a rose. Just because you say it is not a coup dose not make it so.

[somjitr]

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.

Section 4 applies in the case of a civil war or a riot. Declaring martial law under this section does not require royal proclamation.

Section 2 applies in a more general case but requires a Royal Proclamation.

I don't believe that there has been a civil war or a riot. So the army may have acted illegally. But that hardly matters now.

Insurrection means violent uprising.

Some would think we have that with the Reds. Others might think we have that with PDRC. Either way, the military has their excuse.

A lot would think there has not been one. By international standards, there has not been one. The military does not have their excuse.

[mccw]

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.

Section 4 applies in the case of a civil war or a riot. Declaring martial law under this section does not require royal proclamation.

Section 2 applies in a more general case but requires a Royal Proclamation.

I don't believe that there has been a civil war or a riot. So the army may have acted illegally. But that hardly matters now.

Insurrection means violent uprising.

Some would think we have that with the Reds. Others might think we have that with PDRC. Either way, the military has their excuse.

A lot would think there has not been one. By international standards, there has not been one. The military does not have their excuse.

I think the 28 dead so far is excuse enough.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[mccw]

Daily political shootings and bombings would constitute a state of emergencies in most western countries I am sure. Like the British military were deployed to Northern Ireland.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[somjitr]

Daily political shootings and bombings would constitute a state of emergencies in most western countries I am sure. Like the British military were deployed to Northern Ireland.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

In most western countries, the civilian government would still have control over the military in those decisions. Here, the army acted on its own. The army started shutting down TV and radio stations. Recently, it said it would monitor social media and that any gathering or movement against the martial law is outlawed. A total and unnecessary breach of freedom of expression.

Having a civilian state is vital to democracy and we do not have one.

[casualbiker]

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.

Section 4 applies in the case of a civil war or a riot. Declaring martial law under this section does not require royal proclamation.

Section 2 applies in a more general case but requires a Royal Proclamation.

I don't believe that there has been a civil war or a riot. So the army may have acted illegally. But that hardly matters now.

We don't know all the details about the assault rifles in the car or the rumor / pictures about weapons cache found in central Bangkok.

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Then I would say at the very least the army acted prematurely.

Blimey .. I said WE don't .. I'm pretty sure the Army does.. but releasing the information would inflame an already tense situation. Don't you think?

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[casualbiker]

Daily political shootings and bombings would constitute a state of emergencies in most western countries I am sure. Like the British military were deployed to Northern Ireland.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

In most western countries, the civilian government would still have control over the military in those decisions. Here, the army acted on its own. The army started shutting down TV and radio stations. Recently, it said it would monitor social media and that any gathering or movement against the martial law is outlawed. A total and unnecessary breach of freedom of expression.

Having a civilian state is vital to democracy and we do not have one.

Your correct we don't and never had democracy in Thailand and the fledgling democracy that is coming will as everything here be " Thai style "

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[citizen33]

There were some hard-to-read but potentially significant signs today. I was expecting to hear confirmation of the Royal Proclamation, but this does not seem to be deemed necessary despite the announcement of nationwide martial law. I was also intrigued to see the colour of the ribbons worn by one of the regiments on duty..

Edited May 20, 2014 by citizen33

[ThailandNoob]

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.

I wouldn't be so hopeful. The temperature is likely to skyrocket, since what Prayuth is doing can hardly be seen as even handed. I also think that the secrecy of this move is indicative of a divided army. If the Senate (half of which consists of yellow-to-the-bone appointees) nominates an unelected Prime Minister, then this will be seen as installing a dictator, and probably trigger civil war. I highly doubt they will nominate someone acceptable to both sides (if there is even such a person left).

[mccw]

Daily political shootings and bombings would constitute a state of emergencies in most western countries I am sure. Like the British military were deployed to Northern Ireland.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

In most western countries, the civilian government would still have control over the military in those decisions. Here, the army acted on its own. The army started shutting down TV and radio stations. Recently, it said it would monitor social media and that any gathering or movement against the martial law is outlawed. A total and unnecessary breach of freedom of expression.

Having a civilian state is vital to democracy and we do not have one.

But in most western states the government isn't supporting the terrorists attacking civilians exercising their democratic rights to peaceful protest. So given this situation the army has to by pass the government to maintain peace and order. Masterfully "Jai yen yen" of them to allow the gov to continue running the civil side given the level of corruption/ criminality going on over there too.

Here the military is part of the checks and balances like the courts are in the west.

Did you know the British military monitored the Labour Party and other socialists during the Cold War? There was a secret plan to take over / coup under the authority of the Queen in case of a Labour government back communist take over of the other arms of state. Just as the PTP have been trying to take over all the other checks and balances to have an dictatorship in all but name- like the fake democracies in china and such countries- freedom to vote as long as it's for a PT candidate. Much of the north is like this already, there is no real choice and the dens are hounded and intimidated, killed sometimes- this is not democracy.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[casualbiker]

There were some hard-to-read but potentially significant signs today. I was expecting to hear confirmation of the Royal Proclamation, but this does not seem to be deemed necessary despite the announcement of nationwide martial law. I was also intrigued to see the colour of the ribbons worn by one of the regiments on duty..

Just had a look on Google images.. no pictures of Thai troops with ribbons .. do you have any pictures?

I know the troops tend to wear the regiment colour as a neckerchief is that what you mean?

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Jools]

Semantics.....officially, Vietnam was not a war but rather a "police action". So much for words.