What does martial law mean for Thailand?

[webfact]

What does martial law mean for Thailand?

BANGKOK, May 20, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's powerful military declared martial law Tuesday in a move it said was aimed to "restore peace and order" in the turbulent kingdom.

Invoking the law comes after Thailand's Constitutional Court ousted premier Yingluck Shinawatra in early May following months of protest seeking to oust her government.

But what is the scope of the military's powers? And what are the implications of the move for a nation that has seen 18 actual or attempted coups since 1932? Herewith the main points of the act:

-- The Martial Law Act 1914 gives the army "superior power" over civilian institutions in regard to maintaining public order and security.

-- The army can ban any assembly or meeting and prohibit public movement by land, air or water.

-- Military authorities have the power to censor or shut down newspapers and broadcasters.

-- Soldiers are given full powers to search, requisition, ban, seize, inhabit or destroy "any place". This includes body searches as well as vehicle, home and building inspections and scrutiny of printed material.

-- Army authorities can enlist people to work to help the military and can requisition vehicles, food, tools and weapons from any person or company at any time.

-- The military can impose curfews and prohibit access to certain areas.

-- Authorities can detain anyone it suspects of breaching martial law for up to seven days.

-- Civilian courts remain operational, but a martial court can be given authority to hear criminal trials in cases committed under martial law. It can continue to hear cases even after martial law has been revoked.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-05-20

[dominique355]

All we civilians are experiencing is a huge traffic jam in from of the Military Check Points. I just drove along Ramkhamhaeng road. There is a huge traffic jam caused by the military check point under the intersection with the Outer Ring (Kanchanaphisek Road), long 5 km and 4 lanes wide. Not exactly what makes this coup popular.

But if you take the parallel road Seri Thai, no military check point, no traffic jam. So, what's the point of these check points? Show off?

But we can always count on the military to ... mess up things even more.

Why, oh why is the civil government not able to control the military? Who do the military guys (still) believe they can solve the problems? Never learn?

Edited May 20, 2014 by dominique355

[Mister Fixit]

It's a coup by any other name.

No matter how you dress it up to avoid bad national and international media coverage, it's a coup.

[TimCM]

Just watched the evening news in Australia. They are calling it a coup and telling Australians to stay away.

[Prbkk]

I don't believe it's a coup. Prayuth has been very reluctant to go this far and shows no inclination of wanting to take full control. It's pretty measured and while not welcomed, at least it gives some security to the situation and should enable the govt to get through to an election.

[GinBoy2]

Well it means TOT has another equally unbelievable excuse(reason) other than the fact its 'rainy season' for why my Internet is as slow as molasses!

[love1012]

I don't believe it's a coup. Prayuth has been very reluctant to go this far and shows no inclination of wanting to take full control. It's pretty measured and while not welcomed, at least it gives some security to the situation and should enable the govt to get through to an election.

Im pleasantly suprised..........THAT is a sensible post...............NOW if you can just agree that we have a FAIR election with no bribery, vote buying................voting for people abstaining and bullying where ALL parties are allowed to stand in ALL areas of thailand and without interferece from Dubai we will be on the same page!!

[webfact]

What Can the Army Do Under Martial Law?
By Khaosod English

BANGKOK — In a political development that came as a surprise to many on Tuesday, the Thai army announced at 3:00 in the morning that the entire country is now under martial law.

Thailand’s martial law was written in 1914, before the country was a constitutional monarchy. It grants the military extensive powers—including “superior power over the civil authority” in regards to maintaining public order—and also curbs a number of human rights.

Under the century-old martial law, the military now has the power to:

Search any “body vehicle, dwelling place, building or any place and at any time.” [section 9:1].

Inspect any letter, package, printed matter “or other things transmitting within the area under the Martial Law” [section 9:2].

“Force labor for supporting military service in all respects” and demand from any person “any conveyance, beast of burden, provisions, arm, instrument and tool for use in military service” [section 10].

Impose a curfew, prohibit any meeting or assembly, control transportation in any public area, and “prohibit any person from conducting any act or having any prohibited undertaking or thing as determined by the Minister of Defense during the period of the Martial Law” [section 11].

Prohibit dissemination of any printed material and television or radio broadcast [section 11].

“Burn any house or thing which may be useful to the enemy” and “alter the nature of the country or village … for the purpose of fight or preparation for the defense at the discretion of the military authority” [section 14].

Detain for inquiry any person that the military has “reasonable ground to suspect” is the “enemy or violates the provisions of this Act” [section 15].

In addition, no person or company is allowed to claim any “compensation or indemnity for any damage which may result from the exercise of powers of the military authority” [section 16].

The military has already made moves to apply some of these powers.

This morning, the army’s newly-formed peace-keeping operation, the Peace and Order Maintaining Command (POMC), shut down ten politically-affiliated TV stations in order to prevent the dissemination of "misleading" information that could cause public confusion and unrest.

The POMC also ordered that all unlicensed community radio stations, which are often operated by hardcore Redshirt activists, be taken off the air.

In addition, troops have been deployed to oversee both anti-government and Redshirt rally sites, with orders to prohibit activists from marching anywhere.

The sweeping powers granted to the military under martial law are significantly more far-reaching than the authority enjoyed by the government under the Internal Security Act that was previously in place.

As a result, the army’s move has already come under harsh criticism from groups like Human Rights Watch.

"Thailand is using a century old law with draconian provisions that permit the military to exercise essentially unlimited authority to violate human rights if they are so inclined,” said Brad Adams, Director of Human Rights Watch’s Asia Division.

“It's a law that pre-dates the creation of all international human rights standards, and it shows," Mr. Adams said.

Government officials say they were not informed of the army’s plan to announce martial law until it was declared on television at 3:00 a.m. this morning.

The army has insisted that they have not staged a coup.

If that proves to be true, this would be the first time in Thailand’s history that a nationwide declaration of martial law has not been followed by a military coup d’état.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1400575871


-- Khaosod English 2014-05-20

[WhizBang]

The reds were getting ready to mobilize, with armed reds coming to town. We all know what happens when the reds run amok. So the army acted in a way to cut off the violence that was inevitable.

The ball is now in Thaksin's court. Will he continue with the mobilize order, or realize he has, once again, been out maneuvered.

Personally, I am glad the army acted preemptively. Now let's get things sorted out and back on track... all under military supervision, of course.

[MMarlow]

All we civilians are experiencing is a huge traffic jam in from of the Military Check Points. I just drove along Ramkhamhaeng road. There is a huge traffic jam caused by the military check point under the intersection with the Outer Ring (Kanchanaphisek Road), long 5 km and 4 lanes wide. Not exactly what makes this coup popular.

But if you take the parallel road Seri Thai, no military check point, no traffic jam. So, what's the point of these check points? Show off?

But we can always count on the military to ... mess up things even more.

Why, oh why is the civil government not able to control the military? Who do the military guys (still) believe they can solve the problems? Never learn?

"Not exactly what makes this coup popular."

It's not a coup, it's the implementation of martial law. The civilian government is still officially in control.

[Loles]

a very big SHOW BUSINESS for NOTHING

[chrisinth]

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

All we civilians are experiencing is a huge traffic jam in from of the Military Check Points. I just drove along Ramkhamhaeng road. There is a huge traffic jam caused by the military check point under the intersection with the Outer Ring (Kanchanaphisek Road), long 5 km and 4 lanes wide. Not exactly what makes this coup popular.

But if you take the parallel road Seri Thai, no military check point, no traffic jam. So, what's the point of these check points? Show off?

But we can always count on the military to ... mess up things even more.

Why, oh why is the civil government not able to control the military? Who do the military guys (still) believe they can solve the problems? Never learn?

"Not exactly what makes this coup popular."

It's not a coup, it's the implementation of martial law. The civilian government is still officially in control.

I think you forgot the caretaker bit reference who is in control...................

[Loles]

The reds were getting ready to mobilize, with armed reds coming to town. We all know what happens when the reds run amok. So the army acted in a way to cut off the violence that was inevitable.

The ball is now in Thaksin's court. Will he continue with the mobilize order, or realize he has, once again, been out maneuvered.

Personally, I am glad the army acted preemptively. Now let's get things sorted out and back on track... all under military supervision, of course.

Very nice con-texture BUT the yellows are saying there are not considerable red-shirt protesters against them. So where is the truth ???

The Thai army will help for some-one to take power with-out election. Whether who is ?

* 1000

[ChrisY1]

It's all well and good that the military has soldiers stationed all around BKK and surrounding districts to maintain peace......but..what is their next move?

Do the soldiers just sit in their pilboxes smoking fags and drin king M150...or is somthing substancial going to come of all this?

Hopefully, the next few days we will see some action, but if nothing eventuates....then the whole martial law situation may become nothing more than a farce.......

A few interesting days ahead for us on TVF:)

[Gweiloman]

How different would things be under martial law than under the recent SOE? Is this declaration anymore necessary than the SOE?

I live in Bangkok and in my opinion, tensions were a lot higher a few months back when Suthep still had some support enjoying the free food and drink at the nightly concerts. The last couple of months, things were in fact as normal as can be.

[FangFerang]

Everyone is jumping to conclusions. Right now, there are no grenade attacks or children being killed.

I will wait and see. Things will make very clear what is really going on.

Events speak louder then words. Be patient. Balancing power is not something that any democracy has achieved. Not a single one.

I say the Thais will find a unique way to do this razor-edge balancing act.

I hope so.

[tezzainoz]

Just watched the evening news in Australia. They are calling it a coup and telling Australians to stay away.

Not true

am in contact with all my australian friend and they tell me all the big 4 tv stations are say in is Martial Law and not a Coup

is soome one trying to wind things up for their own reason

[dominique355]

So basically this declaration of Martial Law was necessary because the Royal Thai Police is unwilling or unable to do their job.

It is (was) my understanding that the Police is responsible for law and order inside the country and the Military to defend the country against enemies from outside.

Now, both, Police and Military have miserably failed to do their job, the Police doing nothing besides collecting bribes from motorcycle drivers without helmet and the military pointing their guns at Thai citizens.

Why does anyone believe the situation will get better now?

I think it was Einstein who defined stupidity as repeating the same experiment over and over and hoping for a different result.

[Arjay]

All we civilians are experiencing is a huge traffic jam in from of the Military Check Points. I just drove along Ramkhamhaeng road. There is a huge traffic jam caused by the military check point under the intersection with the Outer Ring (Kanchanaphisek Road), long 5 km and 4 lanes wide. Not exactly what makes this coup popular.

But if you take the parallel road Seri Thai, no military check point, no traffic jam. So, what's the point of these check points? Show off?

But we can always count on the military to ... mess up things even more.

Why, oh why is the civil government not able to control the military? Who do the military guys (still) believe they can solve the problems? Never learn?

"Not exactly what makes this coup popular."

It's not a coup, it's the implementation of martial law. The civilian government is still officially in control.

General Prayuth is rumored to have said "where is this government?"mockingly from BBC reports.

[nicksal37]

When is a coup not a coup? Answer...In Thailand !

[cms22]

Not a coup, but close to it. I guess you could call it a soft coup but the army knows the 2006 coup was a mistake that only created a bigger political divide. The army wants all the power that comes with a coup but doesn't want to upset the apple cart any further than it already is. Martial law is the perfect scenario for the army. It gives them power but it also keeps the government in office and so allegations of political favourtism can easily be denied. In my opinion it is a clever move - but only if it forces the government and the yellows to a negotiation table where a way out of this mess can be found. If a compromise cannot be found, then I seriously worry about the future of Thailand.

[krismagi]

All we civilians are experiencing is a huge traffic jam in from of the Military Check Points. I just drove along Ramkhamhaeng road. There is a huge traffic jam caused by the military check point under the intersection with the Outer Ring (Kanchanaphisek Road), long 5 km and 4 lanes wide. Not exactly what makes this coup popular.

But if you take the parallel road Seri Thai, no military check point, no traffic jam. So, what's the point of these check points? Show off?

But we can always count on the military to ... mess up things even more.

Why, oh why is the civil government not able to control the military? Who do the military guys (still) believe they can solve the problems? Never learn?

"Not exactly what makes this coup popular."

It's not a coup, it's the implementation of martial law. The civilian government is still officially in control.

The civilian government is technically unconstitutional according to the Election Commission: Yingluck has been removed (and however you view her politics or her family associations) and she was elected democratically.

I disagree with some posters. This is undemocratic military rule, imposed by force (the Martial Law 1914) and therefore it is a coup d'etat.

What is worse is that there is no clear timetable to return to civilian rule, after a free and fair election. I regret to say that this places the military in an unenviable position whatever their motives and can only lead to further violence.

I lived in Thailand for 2 years until 2012 and experienced the 2010 Red Shirt revolt. They will have learned from that experience and I fear that there will be some form of guerilla action that will gradually increase. Suppressed anger has to be released and this is definitely not the way.

I wish everyone well and hope that there is a peaceful outcome for all my Thai friends. They deserve better.

[OnTheRun]

Is martial law the reason You Porn is now blocked for Thai IP addresses? A shocking infringement on human rights if so....

[cms22]

Is martial law the reason You Porn is now blocked for Thai IP addresses? A shocking infringement on human rights if so....

Still works for me, thank goodness.

[Lammbock]

Oh Boy, Thailand knows how to scare away the Tourists.

Edited May 20, 2014 by Lammbock

[crazykopite]

When you have soldiers on the streets of Bangkok armed and with checkpoints you can call it what you want but at the end of the day the Military are now in control of the Country as for travellers most insurance companies will not cover a person who is visiting a country that is under the control of the military

[penwithcris]

I don't believe it's a coup. Prayuth has been very reluctant to go this far and shows no inclination of wanting to take full control. It's pretty measured and while not welcomed, at least it gives some security to the situation and should enable the govt to get through to an election.

Im pleasantly suprised..........THAT is a sensible post...............NOW if you can just agree that we have a FAIR election with no bribery, vote buying................voting for people abstaining and bullying where ALL parties are allowed to stand in ALL areas of thailand and without interferece from Dubai we will be on the same page!!

[penwithcris]

I don't believe it's a coup. Prayuth has been very reluctant to go this far and shows no inclination of wanting to take full control. It's pretty measured and while not welcomed, at least it gives some security to the situation and should enable the govt to get through to an election.

Im pleasantly suprised..........THAT is a sensible post...............NOW if you can just agree that we have a FAIR election with no bribery, vote buying................voting for people abstaining and bullying where ALL parties are allowed to stand in ALL areas of thailand and without interferece from Dubai we will be on the same page!!

[espinoza]

I don't believe it's a coup. Prayuth has been very reluctant to go this far and shows no inclination of wanting to take full control. It's pretty measured and while not welcomed, at least it gives some security to the situation and should enable the govt to get through to an election.

Im pleasantly suprised..........THAT is a sensible post...............NOW if you can just agree that we have a FAIR election with no bribery, vote buying................voting for people abstaining and bullying where ALL parties are allowed to stand in ALL areas of thailand and without interferece from Dubai we will be on the same page!!

I think the armed forces, not only General Prauyt, has the right to do this now as the Thai society is messed up. People are killed randomly, and also hurt randomly. The armed forces does this by one single reason. The safety of the people. It will make the ground for a new election without any violence, hopefully. But I think the voters should think really with their harts and brains, do they vote for politicians capable of carrying guns in public places. Politicians like that do not have any place in a democracy, only in gangster organisations. I hope the situation also will catalyse the abolishing of non-elected senators. I think after all it will end peacefully :-)

[Robby nz]

All we civilians are experiencing is a huge traffic jam in from of the Military Check Points. I just drove along Ramkhamhaeng road. There is a huge traffic jam caused by the military check point under the intersection with the Outer Ring (Kanchanaphisek Road), long 5 km and 4 lanes wide. Not exactly what makes this coup popular.

But if you take the parallel road Seri Thai, no military check point, no traffic jam. So, what's the point of these check points? Show off?

But we can always count on the military to ... mess up things even more.

Why, oh why is the civil government not able to control the military? Who do the military guys (still) believe they can solve the problems? Never learn?

"Not exactly what makes this coup popular."

It's not a coup, it's the implementation of martial law. The civilian government is still officially in control.

The civilian government is technically unconstitutional according to the Election Commission: Yingluck has been removed (and however you view her politics or her family associations) and she was elected democratically.

I disagree with some posters. This is undemocratic military rule, imposed by force (the Martial Law 1914) and therefore it is a coup d'etat.

What is worse is that there is no clear timetable to return to civilian rule, after a free and fair election. I regret to say that this places the military in an unenviable position whatever their motives and can only lead to further violence.

I lived in Thailand for 2 years until 2012 and experienced the 2010 Red Shirt revolt. They will have learned from that experience and I fear that there will be some form of guerilla action that will gradually increase. Suppressed anger has to be released and this is definitely not the way.

I wish everyone well and hope that there is a peaceful outcome for all my Thai friends. They deserve better.

How do you know they have no clear timetable ?

This is the first day and ML has not as yet been in force for 24hrs.

Take a look at what the army have done in the short time since 3 this morning.

They have in my opinion done a huge amount in that short time, if you don't know what that is take a look at the news page.

It has also been reported on Thai TV that they have raided the house of several PT ex MP,s who have been connected with the weapons they found in a car including Chalerms home with finds of more weapons.

There is more from the same source that mentions a large lot of arms found at Lat Prow..

An update :

Just heard on TV an announcement from the army (English and Thai) regarding content on social media and warning that sites will be closed down if any content they deem to be adverse to peace is posted, be very careful.