Martial law in Thailand: Troops in full control of Bangkok

[webfact]

Troops in full control of capital



BANGKOK: -- Heavily armed soldiers, military jeeps mounted with sub machine guns, armoured personnel carriers, and Humvee trucks are now deployed at key government offices, key intersections, commercial areas in the capital's inner zones after the Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha imposed martial law covering the whole country.

Army Chief Gen Prayuth said before noon the imposition of martial followed ongoing violence waged by armed groups using war weapon against innocent people, and also strong indication of bloody riot due to continual instigation of unrest in the country.

He made clear that the imposition of martial law is intended to bring peace and order in the country as soon as possible and urged all rival groups to halt their movement instantly.

He assured the imposition of martial law is not a military coup while comforting the public that the people should not panic as they can still lead their normal life, and can go to work as usual.

He expressed hope to bring the country back to normal and restore peace and order as soon as possible.

Meanwhile redshirt leader Jatuporn Phrompan said the imposition of martial was not a coup and therefore the people still have the right to voice their views and hold demonstrations within their places.

He said redshirt people would monitor the situation closely to see if there would be attempt to nominate an interim prime minister under Article 7 or not.

He said redshirts would protest if such attempt was renewed as it was against the Constitution.

All redshirt TV stations and anti government TV stations are now seized by troops.
In commercial areas, pedestrians were also seen expressing their support and giving flowers to troops for their action.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/troops-full-control-capital/


-- Thai PBS 2014-05-20

[Mango Bob]

How about government house? Or did you forget that place General? Also, when will elections be held so the people can have a government and Suthep can have a jail cell.

[Scamper]

" In commercial areas, pedestrians were also seen expressing their support and giving flowers to troops for their action. "

Unsurprisingly, this is the public reaction. Prayuth's actions have brought an immediate calm and order to the situation. The rallies continue to exist but movement is prohibited, as is the operation of a number of UDD TV and radio networks and Blue Sky. CAPO has taken a vacation. Niwattumrong was not informed - according to a press release issued from his office this morning - and there is great significance in that, as this follows Niwattumrong's meeting with the Senate yesterday where he affirmed he would not be stepping down. What this means is that the Senate, the Constitutional Court, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and all levers of the judiciary and independent agencies can proceed peacefully, constitutionally, and without provocation. This is very, very good news.

[bubblegum]

How about government house? Or did you forget that place General? Also, when will elections be held so the people can have a government and Suthep can have a jail cell.

I know how bias you are but I did not know you never even read the articles ! Yes also goverment house! Happy?

[stickylies]

" In commercial areas, pedestrians were also seen expressing their support and giving flowers to troops for their action. "

initially khmer rouge was also given flowers when they "liberated" phnom p.

my point being: flowers being given to soldier means *nothing* imo.

[Prbkk]

" In commercial areas, pedestrians were also seen expressing their support and giving flowers to troops for their action. "

Unsurprisingly, this is the public reaction. Prayuth's actions have brought an immediate calm and order to the situation. The rallies continue to exist but movement is prohibited, as is the operation of a number of UDD TV and radio networks and Blue Sky. CAPO has taken a vacation. Niwattumrong was not informed - according to a press release issued from his office this morning - and there is great significance in that, as this follows Niwattumrong's meeting with the Senate yesterday where he affirmed he would not be stepping down. What this means is that the Senate, the Constitutional Court, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and all levers of the judiciary and independent agencies can proceed peacefully, constitutionally, and without provocation. This is very, very good news.

Nobody will be surprised by the fact that you overstate and talk-up the significance of the lack of notice to the govt. It is hardly surprising and barely relevant given the controversy surrounding the status of the caretaker govt. However, that govt is still in place and it is likely to remain in office until elections are completed. There is no reason to presume otherwise now that Suthep has been removed from the equation.

[pumpuy]

Good News , a step in the right direction if this can bring stability to a heavily divided country .

Seems like even new elections would not solve Thailands problem .

Another coup and soldiers stay for long would be the best .

[cloudhopper]

" In commercial areas, pedestrians were also seen expressing their support and giving flowers to troops for their action. "

Unsurprisingly, this is the public reaction. Prayuth's actions have brought an immediate calm and order to the situation. The rallies continue to exist but movement is prohibited, as is the operation of a number of UDD TV and radio networks and Blue Sky. CAPO has taken a vacation. Niwattumrong was not informed - according to a press release issued from his office this morning - and there is great significance in that, as this follows Niwattumrong's meeting with the Senate yesterday where he affirmed he would not be stepping down. What this means is that the Senate, the Constitutional Court, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and all levers of the judiciary and independent agencies can proceed peacefully, constitutionally, and without provocation. This is very, very good news.

Closing TV and radio stations is never good news.

[whybother]

Having a couple of soldiers at key intersections is not "full control".

[millwall_fan]

Troops in full control of capital

Hardly surprising given that:

"Heavily armed soldiers, military jeeps mounted with sub machine guns, armoured personnel carriers, and Humvee trucks are now deployed at key government offices, key intersections, commercial areas in the capital's inner zones"

[DLock]

Most people welcome the calm and stability martial law provides.

It's good to see the army recognize the incapability of the "current" government to solve the problem or get out of the way.

Also negates CAPO and that imbecile Chalerm, reduce Jataporn's influence and Thaksin's interference.

Well done Army.

[IMA_FARANG]

On a more personal and direct level, can we presume that the immigration at Chaengwattana will be opening once again soon, so we who live in Bangkok can once again do our 90 day reporting there as we did before it was closed back in January.

Or is that to much to expect?

[ShannonT]

The army is in full control of Bangkok.

What about Thailand? Or does Thailand end on the outskirts of Bangkok?

[silent]

Having a couple of soldiers at key intersections is not "full control".

Yes yes yes, carpet bombing or paratroopers would be a better way for more obvious full control

[quicky]

Most people welcome the calm and stability martial law provides.

It's good to see the army recognize the incapability of the "current" government to solve the problem or get out of the way.

Also negates CAPO and that imbecile Chalerm, reduce Jataporn's influence and Thaksin's interference.

Well done Army.

So let me get this straight, being under military control is OK because the guns and tanks around the city bring you calm, but elected citizens such as those whom you have mentioned make you feel uneasy I'm guessing because they don't share the same viewpoint as you, which in turn I'm sure makes them sub human and deserving of all the ill fate that befalls them.

So since they don't share the view of 50% of the country and although they do share the view of the other 50% they should be negated, because that 50% are just uneducated and poor so their viewpoint is worthless.

Honestly people with that type of viewpoint should be negated as well.

Talk about a confusing world we live in.

Boy Bangkok sure can use those troops, god only knows the south is under full control.

Good thing that Martial law happen when Suthep and his mob of criminals were running around breaking massive amounts of laws, oh wait it didn't happen then only when the opposition wanted to stand up, democracy at its best, looks like they took a page out of Obama's play book.

[Equalizer]

The fact remains the majority of this country vote red. You would have thought after all these years the establishment would see that they are a minority and can not win a democratic election without firstly reducing the huge divide between the rich and the poor. They are simply not interested in giving any middle ground whatsoever. If they want to govern this country legitimately they will have to sacrifice their greed and arrogance. This starts by eliminating the brainwashing of their offspring who for generations grow up with the same ideals.

[love1012]

The fact remains the majority of this country vote red. You would have thought after all these years the establishment would see that they are a minority and can not win a democratic election without firstly reducing the huge divide between the rich and the poor. They are simply not interested in giving any middle ground whatsoever. If they want to govern this country legitimately they will have to sacrifice their greed and arrogance. This starts by eliminating the brainwashing of their offspring who for generations grow up with the same ideals.

not true - factually wrong equalizer - 44.28% of those that voted, voted for red shirt party and most of them were bullied and bribed into voting by the village elders AND ALL party candidates were not allowed to stand in North and North east - lets put this right THEN you can see if posts like that stand up!! ALSO its interesting to look outside bangkok - Pisanalot Tak, Sukhothai all went for democrats NOT red shirt party!! tells you something about ISAN and CHAING MAI and their expecrtations!! ALSO 16% didnt vote at all in 2010 maybe a fair system without stolen money from Dubai would bring them into our democracy too - YOU SEE red shirts dont want democracy - they just want their criminal back!!

Edited May 20, 2014 by love1012

[dominique355]

Good News , a step in the right direction if this can bring stability to a heavily divided country .

Seems like even new elections would not solve Thailands problem .

Another coup and soldiers stay for long would be the best .

A miracle has just happened! Military troops have been deployed and that alone was sufficient for all protesters of both sides to change their mind and now hug each other and kiss.

What a load of st**## nonsense! This will solve none of the problems of this political crisis.

When, oh when will the military ever learn?

[aripengu]

Been driving around Chiang Mai this afternoon, no military on the streets at all, as far as I have seen everything looks normal.

[dominique355]

The fact remains the majority of this country vote red. You would have thought after all these years the establishment would see that they are a minority and can not win a democratic election without firstly reducing the huge divide between the rich and the poor. They are simply not interested in giving any middle ground whatsoever. If they want to govern this country legitimately they will have to sacrifice their greed and arrogance. This starts by eliminating the brainwashing of their offspring who for generations grow up with the same ideals.

not true - factually wrong equalizer - 44.28% of those that voted, voted for red shirt party and most of them were bullied and bribed into voting by the village elders AND ALL party candidates were not allowed to stand in North and North east - lets put this right THEN you can see if posts like that stand up!! ALSO 16% didnt vote at all in 2010 maybe a fair system without stolen money from Dubai would bring them into our democracy too - YOU SEE red shirts dont want democracy - they just want their criminal back!!

My information is that 33% of those voting in February voted for PT. (10 million out of 30 million votes).

Not really a majority, by far.

[love1012]

" In commercial areas, pedestrians were also seen expressing their support and giving flowers to troops for their action. "

Unsurprisingly, this is the public reaction. Prayuth's actions have brought an immediate calm and order to the situation. The rallies continue to exist but movement is prohibited, as is the operation of a number of UDD TV and radio networks and Blue Sky. CAPO has taken a vacation. Niwattumrong was not informed - according to a press release issued from his office this morning - and there is great significance in that, as this follows Niwattumrong's meeting with the Senate yesterday where he affirmed he would not be stepping down. What this means is that the Senate, the Constitutional Court, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and all levers of the judiciary and independent agencies can proceed peacefully, constitutionally, and without provocation. This is very, very good news.

Nobody will be surprised by the fact that you overstate and talk-up the significance of the lack of notice to the govt. It is hardly surprising and barely relevant given the controversy surrounding the status of the caretaker govt. However, that govt is still in place and it is likely to remain in office until elections are completed. There is no reason to presume otherwise now that Suthep has been removed from the equation.

This is an interim Government allowed to govern after its otehr corrupt half has had to be removed in disgrace for rice pledging and illegal appointment of officers - stop telling us all is running smoothly - we have our own eyes and see the truth with them!!!

[belg]

more fun / attractions for tourist to come visit thailand, right ?

[love1012]

The fact remains the majority of this country vote red. You would have thought after all these years the establishment would see that they are a minority and can not win a democratic election without firstly reducing the huge divide between the rich and the poor. They are simply not interested in giving any middle ground whatsoever. If they want to govern this country legitimately they will have to sacrifice their greed and arrogance. This starts by eliminating the brainwashing of their offspring who for generations grow up with the same ideals.

not true - factually wrong equalizer - 44.28% of those that voted, voted for red shirt party and most of them were bullied and bribed into voting by the village elders AND ALL party candidates were not allowed to stand in North and North east - lets put this right THEN you can see if posts like that stand up!! ALSO 16% didnt vote at all in 2010 maybe a fair system without stolen money from Dubai would bring them into our democracy too - YOU SEE red shirts dont want democracy - they just want their criminal back!!

My information is that 33% of those voting in February voted for PT. (10 million out of 30 million votes).

Not really a majority, by far.

thats this year? i was talking about 2010 but just think 33% with no one else to vote for? Looks like Thaksin is losing momentum right now!!

[tullynagardy]

How about government house? Or did you forget that place General? Also, when will elections be held so the people can have a government and Suthep can have a jail cell.

They successfully threw Suthep and his mob out of there

Feel sorry for the hospitality industry in Bangkok. I was talking to the manager of a well known 5* hotel just last month and he said they will shortly have to lay people off if it doesnt improve. This will surely signal those job losses and many more. Who the hell wants to visit a city with tanks on the street!

[Robroona]

I am gobsmacked. I travelled into Silom today for a hospital appointment in Convent Road. Drove to the airport, parked there, train into Phaya Thai, changed there for Siam and then to Sala Daeng. Returned same way.

Never saw a single soldier!!!

[boisian]

" In commercial areas, pedestrians were also seen expressing their support and giving flowers to troops for their action. "

initially khmer rouge was also given flowers when they "liberated" phnom p.

my point being: flowers being given to soldier means *nothing* imo.

they were later too, by all those people pushing up daisies

[Gweiloman]

The fact remains the majority of this country vote red. You would have thought after all these years the establishment would see that they are a minority and can not win a democratic election without firstly reducing the huge divide between the rich and the poor. They are simply not interested in giving any middle ground whatsoever. If they want to govern this country legitimately they will have to sacrifice their greed and arrogance. This starts by eliminating the brainwashing of their offspring who for generations grow up with the same ideals.

not true - factually wrong equalizer - 44.28% of those that voted, voted for red shirt party and most of them were bullied and bribed into voting by the village elders AND ALL party candidates were not allowed to stand in North and North east - lets put this right THEN you can see if posts like that stand up!! ALSO 16% didnt vote at all in 2010 maybe a fair system without stolen money from Dubai would bring them into our democracy too - YOU SEE red shirts dont want democracy - they just want their criminal back!!

My information is that 33% of those voting in February voted for PT. (10 million out of 30 million votes).

Not really a majority, by far.

thats this year? i was talking about 2010 but just think 33% with no one else to vote for? Looks like Thaksin is losing momentum right now!!

Sadly, regardless of how few people vote for PT, even less votes for the Dems. The name of the game, my dear boy, is to get more votes than your opponent. That's called winning......

[DLock]

Most people welcome the calm and stability martial law provides.

It's good to see the army recognize the incapability of the "current" government to solve the problem or get out of the way.

Also negates CAPO and that imbecile Chalerm, reduce Jataporn's influence and Thaksin's interference.

Well done Army.

So let me get this straight, being under military control is OK because the guns and tanks around the city bring you calm, but elected citizens such as those whom you have mentioned make you feel uneasy I'm guessing because they don't share the same viewpoint as you, which in turn I'm sure makes them sub human and deserving of all the ill fate that befalls them.

So since they don't share the view of 50% of the country and although they do share the view of the other 50% they should be negated, because that 50% are just uneducated and poor so their viewpoint is worthless.

Honestly people with that type of viewpoint should be negated as well.

Talk about a confusing world we live in.

Boy Bangkok sure can use those troops, god only knows the south is under full control.

Good thing that Martial law happen when Suthep and his mob of criminals were running around breaking massive amounts of laws, oh wait it didn't happen then only when the opposition wanted to stand up, democracy at its best, looks like they took a page out of Obama's play book.

Newbie make funny.

[phuketrichard]

" In commercial areas, pedestrians were also seen expressing their support and giving flowers to troops for their action. "

initially khmer rouge was also given flowers when they "liberated" phnom p.

my point being: flowers being given to soldier means *nothing* imo.

they were later too, by all those people pushing up daisies

they gave flowers at demonstartions in dc as well

[phuketrichard]

BBC says no coup but when General Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha was asked about the interm goverment he replied, "what goverement"

Plus;

The army has also shut down a number of politicized TV stations, including Asia Update and Blue Sky TV.

for those of thus that have been thru this before that is always what started each coup.

number 12 since 1932

Edited May 20, 2014 by phuketrichard