Martial law in Thailand: Troops in full control of Bangkok

[chrisinth]

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

True, but containing opposing forces and preventing movement of said forces is certainly a step in the right direction.

I would have to admit, IMHO, this has happened at about the right time to prevent further bloodshed.

[stickylies]

Closing TV and radio stations is never good news.

file under: thainess AKA ostrichness...

[max72]

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 .

yes sure like the other 20 coups in the last 80 years and the dozens of innocents brutally massacred by those power thirsty monsters who keep their masters 22 families in power forever while 65 million Thais in virtual slavery.

Where are you from ? North Korea ? Because promoting coups and massacres sounds like North Korean.

[outre99]

" 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.

It is when the said TV and radio stations are spewing nothing but propaganda and lies. The other side of the Free Press coin is responsibility and impartiality. It seems these days that not only in Thailand but in the so called 'Free World' the press is more concerned with making money than informing the public.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

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?

I believe part of the Army's directives today included allowing the rogue monk and his followers to continue their protest at CW... as well as the other protest groups in their respective locations.

So, unless the Monk and Co. disperse on their own, doesn't seem likely that's going to return as a viable Immigration office anytime soon.

[Centrum]

You can only imagine the depths of my relief to see soldiers stationed out front of the Chill Chill restaurant on Pracha Uthit.

I like their priorities.

[rubl]

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

After having watched the general on TV I went out a bit. Moved on the back of a motorcy from khet Dusit along RamaV, Sukuthai, SawanKalok, Ratchawiti, RamaVI, Yothi to BTS Victory Monument. Noticed traffic to be light, but didn't notice any troops. Taking BTS I saw nothing of course, too high up.

Now in the office, life seems as normal.

[speedtripler]

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!!!

so theyre were no soldiers on the bts ,what does that prove ?.............

[chotthee]

Does that mean Soi Cowboy still have to close at 2am?

[Guitar God]

I wouldn't call it "full control" as long as there's still a roadblock on Chaengwattana road.

In Ubon today I heard a lot more military jet fighters flying around than usual. I'm not sure how they figure in keeping the peace in Bangkok buy they were buzzing all over the place here today.

[rubl]

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 .

yes sure like the other 20 coups in the last 80 years and the dozens of innocents brutally massacred by those power thirsty monsters who keep their masters 22 families in power forever while 65 million Thais in virtual slavery.

Where are you from ? North Korea ? Because promoting coups and massacres sounds like North Korean.

Promoting coups maybe, but nothing in pumpuy's posts suggest promoting massacres.

[Mango Bob]

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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?

I hope the soliders do a sweep of the building. You know those absent minded anti government guard will forget their bombs and weapons.

[axact]

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!!!

so theyre were no soldiers on the bts ,what does that prove ?.............

Maybe it proves soldiers don't like trains

[Oscar2]

The army is in full control of Bangkok.

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

why would the Army need to be in areas outside of Bangkok?

[Oscar2]

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 .

yes sure like the other 20 coups in the last 80 years and the dozens of innocents brutally massacred by those power thirsty monsters who keep their masters 22 families in power forever while 65 million Thais in virtual slavery.

Where are you from ? North Korea ? Because promoting coups and massacres sounds like North Korean.

huh??? what are you on about??? "...65 million Thais in virtual slavery." huh?

[Bluespunk]

Huge plume of smoke rising in air in bang na now. Something's on fire.

[wvavin]

General Prayuth had a slip of mind for forgetting Chiangmai. Please send at least 3 battalion of your boys there to party.

[mikecat]

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.

Would be great if they could shut Suthep and his thugs up then everything would calm down.

[scotbeve]

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The army is in full control of Bangkok.

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

The weird and obtuse Thai way of thinking is : Yes, THE REAL Thailand ends at the outskirts of BKK....

[moe666]

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.

hehehehe you are a joke it appears you know nothing about the lack of law and order that has been going on for the last few months, people being killed and injured by pro government forces and no one caught or detained for these attacks but complete protection of pro government forces by the government, By the way give us all an example of what Obumer has done that anyone could take a page from his play book you needed an excuse for a anti Obumer rant stay on topic about Thailand not Obumer

[moe666]

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The army is in full control of Bangkok.

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

The weird and obtuse Thai way of thinking is : Yes, THE REAL Thailand ends at the outskirts of BKK....

No just Bangkok where the trouble comes too for the attention. Imagine killing a anti-government supporter in Korat no press time at all.

[leggo]

Why were some of the troops wearing yellow ribbons on an Australian news report?

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[casualbiker]

" 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.

Really! Are you sure it wasn't the Vietnamese liberators that were given the flowers .. the one's that initially quelled the RED beast!

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[casualbiker]

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.

The FACT is that the majority of this country vote for other parties to Thaksin's .. but Thaksin's parties get the majority vote..a subtle difference!

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[casualbiker]

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!!!

It's that Thai Army urban camo gear.. wonderful stuff!

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[khaowong1]

" 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.

I think I read that when the General was asked if he informed the Govt. of his martial law use, he said, "Where's the Govt?"

[casualbiker]

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 .

yes sure like the other 20 coups in the last 80 years and the dozens of innocents brutally massacred by those power thirsty monsters who keep their masters 22 families in power forever while 65 million Thais in virtual slavery.

Where are you from ? North Korea ? Because promoting coups and massacres sounds like North Korean.

I asked you once before to name the 22 families. I don't believe you did .. can you now?

And virtual slavery ...right! Hahaha

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Edited May 20, 2014 by casualbiker

[khaowong1]

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!!!

It's that Thai Army urban camo gear.. wonderful stuff!

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The next time you meet someone walking down the street in camo, bump into them and say, "oh, excuse me, I didn't see you." That way they will know it's working.

[casualbiker]

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?

I hope the soliders do a sweep of the building. You know those absent minded anti government guard will forget their bombs and weapons.

Conveniently placed in a backpack with an ID card no doubt!

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[Johpa]

YOU SEE red shirts dont want democracy - they just want their criminal back!!

Yes, yes, yes. The red shirts want their criminal back and the yellow shirts want their mafia back in control. The leadership of both sides wants the same thing and they are using the media to convince the sheep to back their preferred Sino-Thai gang over the other gang of thieves. The similarities to the dysfunctional two-party US political political system are striking: two sides of entrenched thieves battling it out for temporary supremacy of the moment.

Thailand has modernized, it has joined the "Century of the Self" and the populace is just as easily manipulated as are the Yanks and Brits. Chaiyo!