Thai military coup draws international censure

[webfact]

Thai military coup draws international censure
by Boonradom Chitradon

BANGKOK, May 22, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's army chief seized power in a military coup Thursday, deposing its beleaguered civilian government in a bid to end deadly political turmoil but triggering US-led international censure.

The new military junta declared a nationwide night-time curfew and ordered demonstrators on both sides of the kingdom's bitter divide off the streets after nearly seven months of tense political rallies in the capital.

The junta led by army chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha suspended most of the constitution, banned gatherings of more than five people, and ordered the ousted cabinet and other ruling-party leaders to report to the army on Friday at 10:00 am (0300 GMT).

"All Thais must remain calm and government officials must work as normal," Prayut said in a brief televised addressing announcing the takeover, flanked by four of his top officers.

Moments before the coup, there were dramatic scenes at a military-hosted meeting between the kingdom's political rivals aimed at breaking their deadlock.

Witnesses saw leaders of Thailand's two main political parties and its rival protest movements taken away by the military. Their whereabouts remained unknown early Friday.

- 'No justification' -

The US, EU, France and others expressed deep concern.

Secretary of State John Kerry said there was "no justification" for the coup and that it would have "negative implications" for US relations.

He called for "early elections that reflect the will of the people," while the Pentagon said it was reviewing military cooperation with its Southeast Asian ally.

Thailand has been locked in a nearly decade-long political crisis stretching back to a 2006 military coup that deposed controversial tycoon-turned-politician Thaksin Shinawatra as premier.

Since then, a power bloc represented by Thaksin, his family and allies have battled for power with a Bangkok-based royalist bloc close to the military.

Thailand's frequent coups traditionally have needed the approval of the palace, but it was unclear if that was the case on this occasion.

Some observers see the crisis as a struggle to decide who will run the country when the more than six-decade reign of 86-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej eventually ends.

Backers of the royalist elite have engaged in several months of escalating confrontation with the democratically elected government aligned to Thaksin, whose sister Yingluck was dismissed as premier earlier this month in a controversial court ruling.

Yingluck and three more of Thaksin's relatives were among those told by the junta to report to military authorities Friday morning. The reason for the summonses has not been made clear.

Thaksin lives in exile after a corruption conviction, but he and his allies retain strong support in Thailand, particularly the rural north, and have won every general election since 2001.

Experts at the Siam Intelligence Unit, a Bangkok-based think-tank, expect an interim premier to be appointed within days and the junta to control power for up to two years and draw up a "draconian" new constitution.

Some fear more turmoil.

"The coup is not a solution at all to end the crisis. This will become the crisis," said Pavin Chachavalpongpun of the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Japan's Kyoto University.

"It shows the military has never learned the lesson from 2006," he said, referring to the cycle of political instability stemming from Thaksin's overthrow.

Protests by the anti-Thaksin movement have rocked Thailand for months. Related violence has left at least 28 dead and hundreds wounded.

- Ousted PM in hiding -

Caretaker premier Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan was among ministers ordered to report to the army. An aide said he was "safe" in an undisclosed location.

But Chalerm Yubamrung, a former premier and Thaksin loyalist dismissed earlier with Yingluck, was detained by the military, his son Doung Yubamrung said.

Thailand's democratic development has now been interrupted by 19 actual or attempted coups since 1932.

Martial law -- declared by Prayut on Tuesday and reaffirmed under the coup -- gives the military draconian powers to restrict freedom of assembly and movement and to detain people.

All television and radio stations including foreign broadcasters were ordered to suspend normal programming and air only an army feed.

The junta also said it would block any social media platforms in the country that carry content provoking violence or criticising coup leaders.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was "seriously concerned" by the coup, his spokesman said. He urged a return to "constitutional, civilian, democratic rule."

Prayut gave no indication how long the military would hold power.

Anti-government protesters had been demanding the removal of the government and the Thaksin clan's influence in politics, alleging deep corruption.

It was not immediately clear how the staunchly pro-Thaksin "Red Shirt" movement would respond.

"Red Shirt" leaders have said removal of the government could trigger civil war, but there were no immediate reports of unrest.

The coup -- which sent commuters scurrying to get off congested streets before the curfew -- was greeted with jubilation by opposition protesters but dismay by government supporters.

"Our country has been chaotic and has had no solutions for a long time," said office worker Arnusit Chenruk, 39, calling the coup a "good" thing.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-05-23

[NongKhaiKid]

Did I read correctly, Chalerm was detained by the military ?

BUT, BUT do they know who he is ?

[marcusd]

There is a lot more to come. A LOT MORE. No one knows why this General who has shown restraint thus far and had the country already under his control with the Military Martial Law needed to do this. Why now capture all ministers and politicians? I have been doing a little research and the last coup did not have a full lock down of the country. It did not cut TV stations. Movement was not restricted.There is more to come folks... watch this space!

[Fookhaht]

The OP contains speculation about the monarchy, violating forum rules and toying with lese majeste violations. (Paragraphs #12 and #13).

Pretty risky stuff.

Edited May 23, 2014 by Fookhaht

[kurtgruen]

LOL..."The Pentagon is reviewing military relations with its SE Asia Ally". What a joke. The US has been licking Thailand's boots for years now, trying to keep it's influence and not to loose out to China. Now they are trying to threaten the Thai military

If I was the Thai General, I would have the following message to the US and it's Western Allies..."DILLIGAF"?

[Stradavarius37]

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

Did I read correctly, Chalerm was detained by the military ?

BUT, BUT do they know who he is ?

More apt - Dont they know who Chalerm's father is????

[Stradavarius37]

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

There is a lot more to come. A LOT MORE. No one knows why this General who has shown restraint thus far and had the country already under his control with the Military Martial Law needed to do this. Why now capture all ministers and politicians? I have been doing a little research and the last coup did not have a full lock down of the country. It did not cut TV stations. Movement was not restricted.There is more to come folks... watch this space!

Watch what space..your space? No thanks - i dont think you have any information that I need or want.

[monty1412]

I too think that their is allot more to this than just your run of the mill Thai coup

If you think about events that could happen that would massively destabilise Thailand then one inevitably draws to a thought about the health status of a certain person

[pancakeman]

The OP contains speculation about the monarchy, violating forum rules and toying with lese majeste violations. Pretty risky stuff.

I don't see anything about that in the article?

[Prbkk]

LOL..."The Pentagon is reviewing military relations with its SE Asia Ally". What a joke. The US has been licking Thailand's boots for years now, trying to keep it's influence and not to loose out to China. Now they are trying to threaten the Thai military

If I was the Thai General, I would have the following message to the US and it's Western Allies..."DILLIGAF"?

As usual, you would be overstating the significance of Thailand to US interests. It hasn't been of any strategic importance since the Vietnam War ended..

[Tokay]

LOL..."The Pentagon is reviewing military relations with its SE Asia Ally". What a joke. The US has been licking Thailand's boots for years now, trying to keep it's influence and not to loose out to China. Now they are trying to threaten the Thai military

If I was the Thai General, I would have the following message to the US and it's Western Allies..."DILLIGAF"?

Then who would train them and help fund their businesses pockets whatever? These guys are lucky they don't shoot their own feet off and desperately need all the training with foreign forces they can get. The only military guy killed in the last red uprising was killed from behind, close range, by friendly fire.

[boomerangutang]

Well at least lil' old Thai Visa is still cranking away.

Here's how the army brass appear to think:

>>> Suspend the Constitution. Why? We're not sure, but that's what every other coup does, so we reckon that's what's got to be done in a coup.

>>> Arrest people. Why? We're not sure, but we've got more firepower than they have, so we do what we want.

[Thai Travel Bug]

There is a lot more to come. A LOT MORE. No one knows why this General who has shown restraint thus far and had the country already under his control with the Military Martial Law needed to do this. Why now capture all ministers and politicians? I have been doing a little research and the last coup did not have a full lock down of the country. It did not cut TV stations. Movement was not restricted.There is more to come folks... watch this space!

I understand the thinking of people when they say "Watch This Space" but I don't really believe that there is a need to beat up on the possibility of civil war or the likes. Many try to make Thailand look like a land that is uncivilised, when in fact that is far from the truth. It's political culture may well be questioned, but the country and its people are far less "Third World" than some like to make out. Many of its academics and its true leaders understand the ramifications of an all out civil war on the world stage. It would destroy Thailand economic wealth, it would drag Thailand back into the dark ages, and it would not be able to dig itself out of that whole for another 50 years. I believe that there is one hand that will get this country back in order, and one hand only, and I believe that many discussions will be going on right now to get things back on track. Thailand has come too far to sink back to depth.

[NeverSure]

LOL..."The Pentagon is reviewing military relations with its SE Asia Ally". What a joke. The US has been licking Thailand's boots for years now, trying to keep it's influence and not to loose out to China. Now they are trying to threaten the Thai military

If I was the Thai General, I would have the following message to the US and it's Western Allies..."DILLIGAF"?

Selective reading is your specialty? The article also said:

"The US, EU, France and others expressed deep concern."

And:

"The coup is not a solution at all to end the crisis. This will become the crisis," said Pavin Chachavalpongpun of the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Japan's Kyoto University."

And

"UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was "seriously concerned" by the coup, his spokesman said. He urged a return to "constitutional, civilian, democratic rule."

Your prejudice is making you a mental case.

[NongKhaiKid]

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

Did I read correctly, Chalerm was detained by the military ?

BUT, BUT do they know who he is ?

More apt - Dont they know who Chalerm's father is????

I'm just guessing but not the UN ?

[JoeThePoster]

All Thais must remain calm....

Hope you don't disconnect Facebook then.

[love1012]

Did I read correctly, Chalerm was detained by the military ?

BUT, BUT do they know who he is ?

......................apparently all along the ear medicine was being used to manufacture explosives!!!

[Prbkk]

There is a lot more to come. A LOT MORE. No one knows why this General who has shown restraint thus far and had the country already under his control with the Military Martial Law needed to do this. Why now capture all ministers and politicians? I have been doing a little research and the last coup did not have a full lock down of the country. It did not cut TV stations. Movement was not restricted.There is more to come folks... watch this space!

I understand the thinking of people when they say "Watch This Space" but I don't really believe that there is a need to beat up on the possibility of civil war or the likes. Many try to make Thailand look like a land that is uncivilised, when in fact that is far from the truth. It's political culture may well be questioned, but the country and its people are far less "Third World" than some like to make out. Many of its academics and its true leaders understand the ramifications of an all out civil war on the world stage. It would destroy Thailand economic wealth, it would drag Thailand back into the dark ages, and it would not be able to dig itself out of that whole for another 50 years. I believe that there is one hand that will get this country back in order, and one hand only, and I believe that many discussions will be going on right now to get things back on track. Thailand has come too far to sink back to depth.

The problem is that the rest of the world simply doesn't buy the rationale for the coup. When given the opportunity to support the elected government in controlling the demonstrations about six months ago, the military declined and appeared to give tacit support to those trying to bring down the govt. Effectively they through in their lot with Suthep. It is no wonder that the justification for action now rings hollow in Washington, Paris and Brussels. .Why is anyone surprised?

[Local Drunk]

Well at least lil' old Thai Visa is still cranking away.

Here's how the army brass appear to think:

>>> Suspend the Constitution. Why? We're not sure, but that's what every other coup does, so we reckon that's what's got to be done in a coup.

>>> Arrest people. Why? We're not sure, but we've got more firepower than they have, so we do what we want.

It's called power my friend... The General is leaving absolutely no doubt in the minds of all affected players as to who is really in control. If you're going to do something... Do it right!

[love1012]

I cannot believe that the average TV poster has more knowledge on the subject than the Mr Kerry!! ....................hmmmm I take that back!!! Would the US Government be pleased if all the weapons found had been used for multiple attacks over the weekend with countless casualties. I notice the US made no comment about the 28 anti Govt protestors killed so far!!

[garrya]

All Thais must remain calm....

Hope you don't disconnect Facebook then.

Hope he does.

[Prbkk]

I cannot believe that the average TV poster has more knowledge on the subject than the Mr Kerry!! ....................hmmmm I take that back!!! Would the US Government be pleased if all the weapons found had been used for multiple attacks over the weekend with countless casualties. I notice the US made no comment about the 28 anti Govt protestors killed so far!!

It is acknowledged that you and the truth rarely coincide; however the US has repeatedly issued statement regretting the violence and encouraging peaceful resolution.

[zydeco]

Translation: the US, EU, and other moral hypocrites would prefer that Thai people continue to be killed and injured by grenades, drive-bys, and targetted assassinations--as long as their Shin friends could "democratically" continue to loot the country and its infrastructure. Thank you, army, for saving this country from a bloodbath.

[Stradavarius37]

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

I cannot believe that the average TV poster has more knowledge on the subject than the Mr Kerry!! ....................hmmmm I take that back!!! Would the US Government be pleased if all the weapons found had been used for multiple attacks over the weekend with countless casualties. I notice the US made no comment about the 28 anti Govt protestors killed so far!!

It is acknowledged that you and the truth rarely coincide; however the US has repeatedly issued statement regretting the violence and encouraging peaceful resolution.

Its hard to take you seriously with that avatar. lol

[ChrisY1]

LOL..."The Pentagon is reviewing military relations with its SE Asia Ally". What a joke. The US has been licking Thailand's boots for years now, trying to keep it's influence and not to loose out to China. Now they are trying to threaten the Thai military

If I was the Thai General, I would have the following message to the US and it's Western Allies..."DILLIGAF"?

As usual, you would be overstating the significance of Thailand to US interests. It hasn't been of any strategic importance since the Vietnam War ended..

Pretty important importer of Thai products.....

[Dumu Ali]

The world salutes the Thai military for fighting corrupt nepotism

Prayuth is the HERO and we salute him internationally

[Now or Never]

Has Yingsy decided what she will wear when she goes to meet the general this morning?

[LarryBird]

There is a lot more to come. A LOT MORE. No one knows why this General who has shown restraint thus far and had the country already under his control with the Military Martial Law needed to do this. Why now capture all ministers and politicians? I have been doing a little research and the last coup did not have a full lock down of the country. It did not cut TV stations. Movement was not restricted.There is more to come folks... watch this space!

I understand the thinking of people when they say "Watch This Space" but I don't really believe that there is a need to beat up on the possibility of civil war or the likes. Many try to make Thailand look like a land that is uncivilised, when in fact that is far from the truth. It's political culture may well be questioned, but the country and its people are far less "Third World" than some like to make out. Many of its academics and its true leaders understand the ramifications of an all out civil war on the world stage. It would destroy Thailand economic wealth, it would drag Thailand back into the dark ages, and it would not be able to dig itself out of that whole for another 50 years. I believe that there is one hand that will get this country back in order, and one hand only, and I believe that many discussions will be going on right now to get things back on track. Thailand has come too far to sink back to depth.

I feel like that is exactly where they want to go.

[chainarong]

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

There is a lot more to come. A LOT MORE. No one knows why this General who has shown restraint thus far and had the country already under his control with the Military Martial Law needed to do this. Why now capture all ministers and politicians? I have been doing a little research and the last coup did not have a full lock down of the country. It did not cut TV stations. Movement was not restricted.There is more to come folks... watch this space!

They learnt a lot from the last coup is all , I wouldn't place much emphasis on what is happening ,have a cup coffee and relax .

[CharlesHH]

America's clueless predictable big nose sticks into Thailand. USA... comment ok, but based on facts.

This kneejerk idea that democracy exists if any elections exist, in any polluted form, is stupid beyond words.