Army chief Prayuth seizes power

[webfact]

COUP
Army chief Prayuth seizes power
The Nation



Remaining 18 ex-ministers ordered to report to npomc; senior govt official Kittipong denies he is pm candidate; curfew imposed nationwide from 10pm to 5am until further notice; all protesters dispersed by soldiers

BANGKOK: -- Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha yesterday staged a coup to seize power after warring parties failed to reach a compromise to bring the country out of the months-long political crisis.

Two days after the declaration of martial law that resulted in two rounds of meetings between the rival groups, Prayuth lost patience and ordered the detention of more than 30 representatives attending the talks before seizing power.

"In order for the country to return to normal quickly, the National Peacekeeping Committee comprising the Armed Forces and the police needed to seize power as of May 22, at 4.30pm," he announced on television.

The Constitution, except Chapter 2 on the Monarchy, was temporarily suspended. The Cabinet was terminated and its 18 members were summoned - including acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, who was reportedly in hiding in a safe house, deputy premier Phongthep Thepkan-jana, Charupong Ruangsuwan, who is also the leader of Pheu Thai Party - to report to the committee. The committee, later yesterday, changed its name to the National Peace and Order Maintaining Council.

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney rejected a rumour that Niwattumrong had sought political asylum in the US embassy. "Absolutely false. Do not believe rumours," she tweeted.

Many names, including Kittipong Kittayarak, adviser to the PM, were floated to take over as the new premier. Kittipong responded on his Facebook page that it was a rumour and nobody had contacted him on the matter.

The courts, the Senate and other constitutional independent organisations would continue to function as usual. Prayuth urged people to remain calm and continue their lives as usual. He said the bureaucracy would run the country in the absence of a government. It was reported earlier that former premier Thaksin Shinawatra had sought amnesty in exchange for an end to his political role.

Relations with foreign countries would continue as usual, and diplomatic corps, representatives of international organisations and foreigners living in Thailand would be protected, Prayuth said.

All units of the Armed Forces were ordered to remain at their stations, he said. Curfew was imposed between 10pm and 5am.

Gatherings of more than five people for political purposes are prohibited. Educational institutions have been told to remain closed from today until Sunday.

The pro-government red-shirt protesters at Aksa Road were dispersed shortly after the seizure of power. The anti-government protesters also ended their rally.

Prayuth enforced martial law on Tuesday, saying he wanted to prevent violence and enable negotiations between the political rivals. The first round of talks on Wednesday failed to reach any solution, and the commander then told all of them to give him answers yesterday.

Representatives of the warring groups from the government, the ruling Pheu Thai Party, the opposition Democrat Party, the pro-government United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), Senate and Election Commission (EC) attended the meeting.

They were given a break after two hours of the meeting. Prayuth invited UDD leader Jatuporn Promphan and PDRC's Suthep Thaugsuban for a chat.

When the meeting resumed, Prayuth asked caretaker Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri, who led the government representatives at the meeting, whether the government would resign. Chaikasem told Prayuth that "as of this minute, the government will not resign", according to a source.

"Then, as of this minute, I have decided to seize power," the source quoted Prayuth as replying.

All representatives of the warring groups, except those from the Senate and the EC, were later taken into custody at the First Infantry Division, Vibhawadi Road.

Acting Senate Speaker Surachai Liengboonlertchai said as the National Peace and Order Maintaining Council took over, that the Senate would stop its road map to end the political crisis.

"If we could turn back the clock, the politicians should have provided more cooperation to help save the country," he said.


-- The Nation 2014-05-23

[sustento]

"If we could turn back the clock, the politicians should have provided more cooperation to help save the country," he said.

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[beautifulthailand99]

Same same but different 2006 and 2014....

[Somtamnication]

Normalcy is one thing. I welcome that. This curfew thing is gonna kill Thai gdp. All of those who believe tourism gpd is less than 20% are in for a helluva shock.

[FangFerang]

This news is two days old. The only new bit was about the meeting and how it progressed. Maybe in the coming weeks we will read what was said by everyone.

[boomerangutang]

Here's how a major US new outlet sees it:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2014/05/22/314862858/why-does-thailand-have-so-many-coups

NPR (National Public Radio) put it as one of their lead write-ups this morning.

here's a quote: "Television channels were cut off Wednesday, except for a screen shot that included a clunky English translation from the 'National Peace and Order Maintaining Council.'"

Notice the adjective 'clunky.' That's a word you never see in a news headline article. Wake up Thailand: At least if you're going to issue edicts and proclamations, get a farang to proof read the English translation. Jeezo.

[EnzoRippo]

Same same but different 2006 and 2014....

Wow! major post!

Background is SO different.

[boomerangutang]

Like robotrons, they automatically suspend the Constitution.

They've got the creative thinking abilities of a Kaypro (an early computer with tiny non-color screen).

Plus they've got to wrap themselves in the flag, and ......

[kimamey]

The stalemate would not have changed. Now there's room for changes and for installing a government that can try to tackle the many many problems the country is facing. First the desperate situation of thousands of farmers should be helped. Then see how the shinamaffia can be stopped from robbing Thailand empty. A start with fighting corruption is made. Hope it will make a real change.

If they can get money to the farmers that would be good and it would avoid any side making political capital out of it.

[Gsxrnz]

The incentives for the politicians to reach a compromise were not strong enough. He should have told them to come out of the room with a mutually agreed solution or they would all lose their heads immediately.

Now THAT would have seen them reach agreement in double quick time.

[Tatsujin]

"If we could turn back the clock, the politicians should have provided more cooperation to help save the country,"

[Stradavarius37]

Why is this thread even needed? Its no different from a handful of others.

[Dumu Ali]

Prayuth is the man, a hero and a gentleman

Thailand has been saved and I salute the Thai army for being brave and civilized

SALUTE

[Xonax]

The stalemate would not have changed. Now there's room for changes and for installing a government that can try to tackle the many many problems the country is facing. First the desperate situation of thousands of farmers should be helped. Then see how the shinamaffia can be stopped from robbing Thailand empty. A start with fighting corruption is made. Hope it will make a real change.

If they can get money to the farmers that would be good and it would avoid any side making political capital out of it.

What about letting the people who have benefitted from the rice scam pay the farmers?????

[fab4]

Prayuth is the man, a hero and a gentleman

Thailand has been saved and I salute the Thai army for being brave and civilized

SALUTE

Won't be getting many salutes from him, sunshine

US denounces Thai coup, warns on relations

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2014 (AFP) - The United States warned Thursday it was reconsidering cooperation with ally Thailand after a military coup, which Secretary of State John Kerry denounced as having "no justification." http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728403-us-denounces-thai-coup-warns-on-relations/#entry7868143

[reenatinnakor]

What does the 10pm curfew mean? For people who's flights are landing after 10pm? Do I have to stay in the airport until 5am?

[Tokay]

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney rejected a rumour that Niwattumrong had sought political asylum in the US embassy. "Absolutely false. Do not believe rumours," she tweeted.

I don't trust the Thais, but I don't trust my own government even more. No offense, Kristie.

[Tokay]

What does the 10pm curfew mean? For people who's flights are landing after 10pm? Do I have to stay in the airport until 5am?

It was more or less business as usual in Chiang Mai. Lotus and 7-11 were closed, but McDonald's was open (Burger King was closed) and a few street walkers (and ladyboys) were hanging out just 100m from the army check point. Normal amount of traffic, I was out driving around for a while and so were a lot of others. It was surprising actually.

I wouldn't even call it a curfew. More like a suggestion to stay inside, but if you want to come out, come on out.

[tezzainoz]

Thai Politicians please note

You made your bed

Now do not complain because you have to sleep in it

[SICHONSTEVE]

Why is this thread even needed? Its no different from a handful of others.

Why?

Because it gives us another thread to gloat a bit and show just how happy we are at turfing out for good this abject government!!!

Hopefully that is the Shins gone for good now!!!

[kingstonkid]

The stalemate would not have changed. Now there's room for changes and for installing a government that can try to tackle the many many problems the country is facing. First the desperate situation of thousands of farmers should be helped. Then see how the shinamaffia can be stopped from robbing Thailand empty. A start with fighting corruption is made. Hope it will make a real change.

If they can get money to the farmers that would be good and it would avoid any side making political capital out of it.

What about letting the people who have benefitted from the rice scam pay the farmers?????

That would be the next step. Let's face it the courts are going to have to sort that out and it culd take along time.

Let's pay the farmers. make more thais happy. Let's face it if the military pays the farmers the money that the PT promised them then that will be another nail in the coffin

[ppmacready]

The stalemate would not have changed. Now there's room for changes and for installing a government that can try to tackle the many many problems the country is facing. First the desperate situation of thousands of farmers should be helped. Then see how the shinamaffia can be stopped from robbing Thailand empty. A start with fighting corruption is made. Hope it will make a real change.

Will they also ask the elite to hand back to the people the wealth they plundered the past 10-20 decades?

[kerrysum]

"If we could turn back the clock, the politicians should have provided more cooperation to help save the country," he said.

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I like the old saying, " Could of, should of, would of...." Mean while back in the day one........

Clean the crap out of Thailand, and I do not mean the Thai citizens........ Thailand has changed in many ways from the many years that I have had the good experiences....... I take it as the time and patience talking to people... Yes I know that people can get up set..... But here we are, is it a Karma

that is going on????? Or the reality that things have to change from what has been going on.? Do I blame the military for stepping in? Or is it to return the normalization that I want back...... There is a song, " I love you just the way you are..." New rendered? "I loved just they way you were..."

Think Thailand needed something that just happened.....

Guess the Thai People just want their country back.... Just a THOUGHT.......

KERRY

[MILT]

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

The stalemate would not have changed. Now there's room for changes and for installing a government that can try to tackle the many many problems the country is facing. First the desperate situation of thousands of farmers should be helped. Then see how the shinamaffia can be stopped from robbing Thailand empty. A start with fighting corruption is made. Hope it will make a real change.

Will they also ask the elite to hand back to the people the wealth they plundered the past 10-20 decades?

Can superman really fly faster than a speeding bullet?

[Scamper]

" The courts, the Senate and other constitutional independent organisations would continue to function as usual. He said the bureaucracy would run the country in the absence of a government. "

It sounds already like a welcome change from all the hysteria as of late. Once the dust has settled, things should be clearer in terms of an interim government. But the fact the Senate, independent agencies and courts are functioning is a good sign.

" It was reported earlier that former premier Thaksin Shinawatra had sought amnesty in exchange for an end to his political role. "

This is truly outrageous, but oh so expected, and oh so predictable. Thaksin's uncompromising obstinate refusal to Prayuth's proposals yesterday - which likely contributed to bringing things to a head - has immediately morphed into self-preservation mode as he wants his amnesty - the same amnesty that sparked this whole crisis in the first place ! It will never be taken seriously, just as Thaksin's " promise " to leave politics ( such promises now likely numbering in the hundreds ) would never be taken seriously. It would likely be immediately rescinded the day Prayuth retired, anyway. No way is anyone going to allow Thaksin's amnesty from going through - now or ever. If there was any moral for Pheu Thai after all of this, it is surely that. The Thaksin amnesty idea was a huge, cosmic debacle. But this also shows the kind of gall for which Thaksin is famous. Now that the Thaksin strings have been cut, however, perhaps he can recede into luxury again.

[Alwyn]

"If we could turn back the clock, the politicians should have provided more cooperation to help save the country," he said.

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I like the old saying, " Could of, should of, would of...." Mean while back in the day one........

Clean the crap out of Thailand, and I do not mean the Thai citizens........ Thailand has changed in many ways from the many years that I have had the good experiences....... I take it as the time and patience talking to people... Yes I know that people can get up set..... But here we are, is it a Karma

that is going on????? Or the reality that things have to change from what has been going on.? Do I blame the military for stepping in? Or is it to return the normalization that I want back...... There is a song, " I love you just the way you are..." New rendered? "I loved just they way you were..."

Think Thailand needed something that just happened.....

Guess the Thai People just want their country back.... Just a THOUGHT.......

KERRY

"Guess the Thai People just want their country back.... Just a THOUGHT......." I'm confused Kerry, who in your opinion do the Thai people want their country back from? Who "has" their country and should be returning it? "Clean the crap out of Thailand, and I do not mean the Thai citizens" It sounds like you don't approve of non-Thais being in Thailand? Maybe I'm mis-reading your post but that's how it seems. I'm non-Thai and I'm guessing you are too. Perhaps you could explain the thinking behind your statement?

[beautifulthailand99]

Same same but different 2006 and 2014....

Wow! major post!

Background is SO different.

yes they are wai-ing in one.....

[loogkreung]

Absolutely disgraceful that the military can overthrow a fairly elected government, but then they say each country gets the government it deserves. Perhaps this is how it should be.

[boomerangutang]

What does the 10pm curfew mean? For people who's flights are landing after 10pm? Do I have to stay in the airport until 5am?

This is Thailand. Rules are made to be bent or ignored. Even the rule against killing someone can be circumvented, if you're rich and know how to play the game.

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney rejected a rumour that Niwattumrong had sought political asylum in the US embassy. "Absolutely false. Do not believe rumours," she tweeted.

I don't trust the Thais, but I don't trust my own government even more. No offense, Kristie.

I'm also American, and I'll believe the lady unless it's proved she's lying. Why would she lie about something like that when, if it's later proven that the scoundrel has rec'd assylum there, it would make US diplomats look bad. Don't be so quick to diss your country, particularly if you're guessing. Addendum: I've actually become more of a patriot since moving to Thailand, 16+ years ago. I'll find fault when there's a valid reason, like when US officialdom granted Thaksin a visa. but I've not devolved to being an American-basher for the sake of bashing (or to be seen as overly self-effacing).

"I love you just the way you are..." New rendered? "I loved just they way you were..."

Think Thailand needed something that just happened.....

Guess the Thai People just want their country back.... Just a THOUGHT.......

KERRY

Sounds like a song most married men would be singing, after a few years of marriage, ha ha.

[djhotsox]

I have a serious question regarding this coup and the military seizing power.....

What does this mean as far as arrest warrants for the likes of Suthep et al. are concerned? If it means that they are not to be enforced then it would make sense that Suthep for one would welcome this coup would it not?

Thoughts?