International community concerned over Thai military's imposition of martial law

[webfact]

International community concerned
The Nation

Respect principles of democracy: US

BANGKOK: -- The international community yesterday expressed concerns over the military's imposition of martial law covering the entire country.

The United States said it understood that this was not a coup and that it expected the Army not to undermine democratic institutions, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.

"All parties are urged to respect democratic principles, including respect for freedom of speech. The US firmly believes all parties must work together to resolve differences through dialogue and find a way forward. This development underscores the need for elections to determine the will of the Thai people," she added.

Meanwhile the US Embassy in Bangkok advised US citizens to stay alert, exercise caution and monitor media coverage.

"You are advised to avoid areas where there are protests, large gatherings, or security operations and follow the instructions of Thai authorities," said the message yesterday.

According to a Royal Thai Army announcement, the military has assumed responsibility for maintaining peace and order, and martial law gives the military more authority to ensure public security and safety, the US Embassy said. Thailand's Constitution and caretaker government remain in place, according to Thai media.

"US citizens are cautioned that even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid protest sites, demonstrations, and large gatherings.

"Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to local news media reports. You should allow extra time when travelling throughout the city or to/from airports. Consider using public transportation, read the message," the US advisory said.

Japan also expressed concerns. "We have grave concerns about the situation in Thailand. We once again strongly urge all parties concerned to act in a self-restrained manner without using violence," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said in Tokyo.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa told Agence France-Presse: "We have been deeply concerned ... following the developments in Thailand.

"Indonesia has consistently called for respect of the constitutional process and democratic principles in order to promote national reconciliation and unity, reflecting the wishes of the Thai people. It is our hope that this latest development will not detract from such principles and normalcy can quickly be restored," he said.

Philippine Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said his country was just cheering on the sidelines for Thailand to resolve its problems. "Thailand is a great country. They've shown their resilience and we're confident that this is a short-term hiccup," he said in Manila.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade urged all parties in Thailand to resolve their differences through peaceful democratic processes. "Thailand has Australia's goodwill and support as it tries to find ways to settle its difficulties."


-- The Nation 2014-05-21

[love1012]

A corrupt Government has had to be removed and the Army has had to step in and take over its reponsibilities while new arrangements are made. Just think how good would it be if the rice farmers got paid while the martial law was in operation... Pheu Thai have let down the country with their arrogant corrupt incompetence. Shame on August 3rd voters cant have a FAIR election to get rid of them once and for all and their paymaster but we all know the bribes and the threats will flow in the North and North East. The international community should be asked to PROPERLY monitor thailands elections and raise questions about candidates not allowed to stand in the north and North East because of intimidation, bribery, violence and threats against them. This is needed for a true democracy to form. NOT a Thaksinocracy!!

Pheu Thai and Democrat MUST be allowed to compete evenly in an election. The problem is It is so easy to go to someones house and threaten their family when no one is looking or slip absent voters slips intothe ballot boxes. This happens MUCH more thailand than in other places.

Edited May 21, 2014 by love1012

[Civil War]

Nobody gave a damn when Thailand's democracy was being ravaged for the past 13 years under the Thaksin regime, so why the hell should anyone give a damn about what they think now?

Mind your own business.

[jpeg]

The 'International Community' are only interested in their trade deals with Thailand, so enough with the hand wringing over 'democracy'.

As to the US, well, where to start?

[smutcakes]

A corrupt Government has had to be removed and the Army has had to step in and take over its reponsibilities while new arrangements are made. Just think how good would it be if the rice farmers got paid while the martial law was in operation... Pheu Thai have let down the country with their arrogant corrupt incompetence. Shame on August 3rd voters cant have a FAIR election to get rid of them once and for all and their paymaster but we all know the bribes and the threats will flow in the North and North East. The international community should be asked to PROPERLY monitor thailands elections and raise questions about candidates not allowed to stand in the north and North East because of intimidation, bribery, violence and threats against them. This is needed for a true democracy to form. NOT a Thaksinocracy!!

Pheu Thai and Democrat MUST be allowed to compete evenly in an election. The problem is It is so easy to go to someones house and threaten their family when no one is looking or slip absent voters slips intothe ballot boxes. This happens MUCH more thailand than in other places.

Didn't the Democrat Govt turn down a request for international election observers?

Obviously this was when they were busily dealing out the moola through the Bumjumthai party.

[chainarong]

The only comment I wish to make is to Julie Bishop , Minister for Foreign Affairs , Australia , you commented on Australia Channel last night that all Thais want an election , not all Madam , over half want reforms before elections ,some that will vote in an referendum for elections first , have either been bribed , physically abused , threatened , or village elders have told them how to vote or are influenced by influential persons (Money lenders), therefore the PTP cannot be trusted, they never could be on any issue , please advise your embassy of this fact, as they seem to be asleep.

Edited May 21, 2014 by chainarong

[jaltsc]

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement..."All parties are urged to respect democratic principles, including respect for freedom of speech. The US firmly believes all parties must work together to resolve differences through dialogue and find a way forward."

If Thais never respected democratic principles and freedom of speech before, why does she think they will start now? Tell the truth about the "wrong person" and one can be fined and/or imprisoned. Unlike in many western countries, libel and slander do not need to be proven in order to determine "guilt". And, if someone suggested to a Thai politician to "resolve differences through dialogue" he would look as confused as an entire classroom trying to complete an assignment when the smart kid is absent. When it comes time for the Thai government to make a responsible and fair decision, the smart kid is always absent.

Edited May 21, 2014 by jaltsc

[Bangmod]

"All parties are urged to respect democratic principles, including respect for freedom of speech.

The US said.....

Did they find Chalerm's ear drops?????

The US is beside North Korea, China and Russia, one of the countries with the littlest respect for Democracy.

Are they on Thaksin's payroll as well????

[fab4]

The only comment I wish to make is to Julie Bishop , Minister for Foreign Affairs , Australia , you commented on Australia Channel last night that all Thais want an election , not all Madam , over half want reforms before elections ,some that will vote in an referendum for elections first , have either been bribed , physically abused , threatened , or village elders have told them how to vote or are influenced by influential persons (Money lenders), therefore the PTP cannot be trusted, they never could be on any issue , please advise your embassy of this fact, as they seem to be asleep.

1. How do you know that over half want reforms?

2. You attempting to speak on behalf of the Thai people is contemptuous and arrogant in the extreme.

3. Your opinion is just that, your opinion. To try and represent that as fact is misleading.

4. Your opinion of, presumably, your countries Embassy staff is less than flattering so if, in this fantasy world you inhabit, the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs came to hear about your concerns I would imagine there would be less of a chance that she would take any notice.

Still as an inconsequential post where you can unburden yourself of all that angst it just about passes muster I suppose.

Edited May 21, 2014 by fab4

[Mark Thaiford]

So we have the usual Anti-democracy posters busy at work on this thread (considering that virtually all posts preceding this voice extreme anti-democratic views.) These guys are like busy bees.

The attempt to ridicule World opinion is both typical and pathetic - as if Thailand can stick two fingers up at the World. Burma tried that for many years and look at what that got them.

If the current situation leads to "reforms" where the Thai population are in a state of de facto disenfranchisement then I hope the social changes in Thailand have advanced so far that the people will no longer stand for it. The Thai people deserve better than to be continually suppressed by an ultra-conservative elite who are unable to accept change and to be treated with contempt by the Farang cheerleaders who seem to think Thailand should turn into some kind of "fascist paradise".

Edited May 21, 2014 by Mark Thaiford

[BlueNoseCodger]

A corrupt Government has had to be removed and the Army has had to step in and take over its reponsibilities while new arrangements are made. Just think how good would it be if the rice farmers got paid while the martial law was in operation... Pheu Thai have let down the country with their arrogant corrupt incompetence. Shame on August 3rd voters cant have a FAIR election to get rid of them once and for all and their paymaster but we all know the bribes and the threats will flow in the North and North East. The international community should be asked to PROPERLY monitor thailands elections and raise questions about candidates not allowed to stand in the north and North East because of intimidation, bribery, violence and threats against them. This is needed for a true democracy to form. NOT a Thaksinocracy!!

Pheu Thai and Democrat MUST be allowed to compete evenly in an election. The problem is It is so easy to go to someones house and threaten their family when no one is looking or slip absent voters slips intothe ballot boxes. This happens MUCH more thailand than in other places.

The government is still in place, General Prayuth has confirmed the Martial Law order to them, as required under Section 4.

Section 4: If there is war or insurrection in any area, the commander of military forces at least one battalion, or of any military fort, barracks or forfeited area, which has the power and duty to protect such area, shall have the power to proclaim the Martial Law within his or her responsible area. In this case, the proclamation of the Martial Law shall be reported to the Government immediately.

No, NACC found no evidence of corruption in the rice scheme, their recommendation on impeachment is based on the claim of "negligence" in not stopping the Rice Pledge scheme when projected losses became to high, not corruption.

They also say they'll maybe press criminal charges for negligence in not preventing potential corruption in all areas of the scheme. Which simply confirms they don't have evidence (potential, not actual, not proven), and the 'all areas' is simply keeping their options open as to where they'll eventually find something to pin on them.

Rest of your post is an anti-elections rant, but that just makes it clear you know you would lose the election.

My family lives in Udonthani and are free to vote however they like. I am not free to vote here in the South and I do not believe the vote represents the people here. Your rant is a lie. Your side loses elections because they cancel popular policies, boycott elections and attack democracy. Abhisit is a ditherer. He spends 10 days on a "reform" policy, and comes out with a "roadmap" with point 3 "write a reform policy in 30 days"! What an unelectable idiot.

"Pheu Thai and Democrat MUST be allowed to compete evenly in an election". Why? One is popular and electable and one is a bunch of elitists. It's also clear that the scales are already tilted to the Democrats. 50% of the Senate is controlled by their side and is unelected. That half in turn appoints the independent agencies, which in turn are partisan.

Blah blah "Thaksinocracy"... terrific, but it's really a Suthepocracy, where a Suthep marches on Bangkok, expects to be given power without any election, and when his coup fails, the army declares martial law.

We're into the 7th month of this, actually more like the 10th month, because his guards were trained back in July last year. It's clear the law does not apply to Suthep, it's clear where the corruption lies.

Edited May 21, 2014 by BlueNoseCodger