International community slams coup
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Foreign leaders call for early elections; warn their citizens against travelling

The international community has widely criticised the power seizure by the Armed Forces on Thursday, with the United States condemning the coup and implying it would have negative implications for bilateral relations.

US Secretary of State John Kerry called for "early elections that reflect the will of the people" and said "there was no justification for the seizure".

"This act will have negative implications for US-Thai relationship, especially for our relationship with the Thai military. We are reviewing our military and other assistance and engagements, consistent with US law," he said.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was seriously concerned by the military takeover. In a statement, Ban appealed "for a prompt return to constitutional, civilian and democratic rule, as well as an all-inclusive dialogue that will pave the way for long-term peace and prosperity in Thailand".

Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Office said martial law and military orders being imposed might infringe on fundamental freedoms. Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said: "We remind the authorities of Thailand's obligations under the international human-rights law, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which strictly limit the application of emergency powers."

Her office urged the authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure that fundamental human rights are respected.

Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Australia also voiced concerns.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier yesterday condemned the Thai Army's decision to seize control. In a statement, he urged restraint by the Thai Army and the resumption of the political process as soon as possible.

The Army leaders should restart a political dialogue, particularly to pave the way for voting and assure the constitutional rights of the Thai people as well as press freedom.

German citizens in Thailand were urged to avoid protest sites and keep updated on the situation.

French President Francois Hollande condemned the coup and called for an immediate return to the rule of law.

He called for an election to be organised as well as the need "for the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Thai people to be respected".

'Extremely concerned'

Meanwhile British Foreign Secretary William Hague also urged Thailand to restore a democratically elected civilian government.

"I am extremely concerned by today's coup," Hague said in a statement on Thursday. "We look, therefore, to the authorities to set out a quick, clear timetable for elections to help re-establish the democratic framework of governance."

The International Federation of Journalists accused the military of crippling and trying to silence the media.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said yesterday that she was "gravely concerned".

"It is a volatile situation," Bishop told national radio.

"We are monitoring it closely, but people need to pay close attention to their personal security and their travel plans."

Thailand's friends in Asia also expressed regret over the coup.

Japanese Industry Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, while regretting the coup, pledged to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals and companies in the country. "It is an extremely regrettable situation," he told a news conference.

"We are strongly calling for the country's political situation to be resolved peacefully through sincere dialogue."

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry yesterday advised citizens to avoid travelling to Thailand "for personal safety and security reasons".

It said Malaysians living in Thailand should obey the curfew and "maintain sufficient stocks of food and water at home".

Singapore's Foreign Ministry yesterday issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens to "seriously reconsider" trips to Thailand after the military seized power in a bloodless coup.

"The situation is unpredictable and volatile, and may evolve quite rapidly," the ministry said on its website.

-- The Nation 2014-05-24

You know what they all can't be wrong.

Take note of the overwhelming cry for democracy and elections ASAP.

It's about time that the elite yellows will just have accept the will of the thai people and not spit the dummy every time they get rolled at elections.

We all know the PTP will win in a landslide so the yellows should be asking themselves what can we do win over the people.

The coup is costing the Thais a lot of money and future possible investment and maybe soon even lives.

Too right this is costing foreign investment.

One of wifeys friends was complaining on the phone yesterday that a Japanese investor had flown home this week putting on hold any deal.

You know what they all can't be wrong.

Take note of the overwhelming cry for democracy and elections ASAP.

It's about time that the elite yellows will just have accept the will of the thai people and not spit the dummy every time they get rolled at elections.

We all know the PTP will win in a landslide so the yellows should be asking themselves what can we do win over the people.

The coup is costing the Thais a lot of money and future possible investment and maybe soon even lives.

after a massive reform, PTP will be history in the minds of Thais ...

yep and the Americans historically have done the region so much good , i' m thinking korea, vietnam, I' m sure they'll be sorely missed.

the West need reforms as much as they need it for Thailand.

Putin knows that too ...

Maybe they'll all be just as effective implementing change in Thailand as they've been in Ukraine, Syria, Nigeria, …….

yep and the Americans historically have done the region so much good , i' m thinking korea, vietnam, I' m sure they'll be sorely missed.

Yeah, they stopped S. Korea from being forceably incorporated into that paradise: North Korea.

Thailand needs foreign investment that they won't get while this is going on.

these 'foreign leaders' can stick their heads where the sun don't shine. no doubt it's the Americans stirring things up and leading the rant. they don't know what goes on here and how out of control things were.

"...Malaysians living in Thailand should... maintain sufficient stocks of food and water at home". LOL

Every developed country in the world and the majority of the country know what's happening. It's basically the entire world versus the Bangkok elites on this issue.

Maybe they'll all be just as effective implementing change in Thailand as they've been in Ukraine, Syria, Nigeria, …….

look what a wonderful job they did implementing "democracy" in Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan.

Maybe they'll all be just as effective implementing change in Thailand as they've been in Ukraine, Syria, Nigeria, …….

... the Shin era is history, that basically was it ... R Amsterdam and Carlyle Group are trembling - among others

BTW, is there an arrest warrant for Amsterdam for his speech on the red stage recently?

like Thailand cares what "Farang" thinks.

They are upset about the coup. Wait til they find out what's happening with this rounding up of the usual suspects.

. no doubt it's the Americans stirring things up and leading the rant. they don't know what goes on here and how out of control things were.

You are the only one ranting. What makes you think Americans are the only ones that give a hoot?

Military Coups are just not popular anywhere. Why be so silly and assume everyone will be silent...with thousands of tourists from farangland here?

Wake up, and screw your head back on.

The International Community is not my older brother

Thais believe in saving face and appearance is everything, but in reality they do not give two hoots what others say

It is too much of a me me me country for things to change for the better

Great to see the world condemning the illegal action of the military leadership!

I hope sanctions will be introduced swiftly.

Thai resistance to the coup has almost started immediately yesterday and will grow in the next few weeks.

The Thai economy will suffer and this will bring more people into opposition to the junta and the puppets they will appoint as "civilian government "

Maybe they'll all be just as effective implementing change in Thailand as they've been in Ukraine, Syria, Nigeria, .

... the Shin era is history, that basically was it ... R Amsterdam and Carlyle Group are trembling - among others

BTW, is there an arrest warrant for Amsterdam for his speech on the red stage recently?

Why would Amsterdam care about a Thai arrest warrant?

Or do you think an arrest warrant issued by an illegal junta would be enforced internationally?

Haha @ the Yellows in here cheering on the isolation of their country and the illegitimate government occupying it. Your time won't last much longer, don't worry.

It reminds me of a school yard full of lots of screaming children running around with the head trying his best to keep control. Thais have lost the ability to compromise- years of greedy consumption and corruption has completely destroyed their values - all they can think about are their new cars and silly hairdos!

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 2 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The International community ay. Some of those countries in the International community are far worse than Thailand at the moment. "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" comes to mind.

Just like the 2 Thai girls that had an argument in my office. Once a Thai holds a grudge it lasts a lifetime and this mess will still be going on in 50 yuears

I'm still waiting to hear American and European condemnation of the coups in Egypt and Ukraine where fully elected (not caretaker) governments were overthrown. It's been months now. When are those legally-mandated sanctions going to be imposed. Well, Mr Kerry, Mr Hague, Baroness Ashton and all the other hypocrites who are so quick to condemn Thailand's moves to put its house in order after months of violent turmoil? How are you going to rationalise these double standards?

So not only do the yellows on here support a coup they take the opportunity off a bit of good old fashion thai bashing

You should be condemning dictatorship Not condoning it!

You know what they all can't be wrong.

Take note of the overwhelming cry for democracy and elections ASAP.

It's about time that the elite yellows will just have accept the will of the thai people and not spit the dummy every time they get rolled at elections.

We all know the PTP will win in a landslide so the yellows should be asking themselves what can we do win over the people.

The coup is costing the Thais a lot of money and future possible investment and maybe soon even lives.

In a fair election with democrats standing in the north on equal terms they would be very close even with Thaksins bribery and corruption. But democrats are not allowed to stand - funny how the international community doesn't comment on that - do all countries in the west take their orders from Thaksin?

Maybe if they were invited over to witness peaceful men women and children protestors being blown up and shot on a daily basis they'd change their minds!!

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You know what they all can't be wrong.

Take note of the overwhelming cry for democracy and elections ASAP.

It's about time that the elite yellows will just have accept the will of the thai people and not spit the dummy every time they get rolled at elections.

We all know the PTP will win in a landslide so the yellows should be asking themselves what can we do win over the people.

The coup is costing the Thais a lot of money and future possible investment and maybe soon even lives.

after a massive reform, PTP will be history in the minds of Thais ...

You must be referring to the reform where Bangkok votes count as double and nothern votes are not allowed unless you have a college degree!

So not only do the yellows on here support a coup they take the opportunity off a bit of good old fashion thai bashing

You should be condemning dictatorship Not condoning it!

We have been condemning "diktatorship" . . . that's why people wanted Thaksin out . . . the ultimate Dictator, my way or I kill and burn you all until I get my way.

Every developed country in the world and the majority of the country know what's happening. It's basically the entire world versus the Bangkok elites on this issue.

The entire world? Really?

What did Surinam and Nepal say?

.........just for the record of course

Haha @ the Yellows in here cheering on the isolation of their country and the illegitimate government occupying it. Your time won't last much longer, don't worry.

.........and then you can benefit from your criminal dictator coming back from Dubai......``hey `i can vote against him!!!!! Can you vote for him......and who knows the Army just might make it possible for democrats to stand in the north observed by the international community

Given the International Community's track record, I'd say the military can pretty much ignore any hot air coming from that direction and do what is best for Thailand.