State Of Emergency In Thailand

[Oleg_Rus]

Do the math : 14 tanks, 10 minutes to convince security to give up, 1hr to declare all that buzzz ..

Is it called coup de whatever" ? I'd called it - little after dinner party.

What's amazing is the post like "My g'f said, my baby told, my rural family in law knew, my taxi boyfriend heard" - in fact it's the most unreliable sources, or so called "TROLLS", should be ignored.

As a frequent member of all small and little revolutions, I'd say stock up your fridge, call your embassy for free ticket back home -> the FUN will start tonight.

put your bets on www.freak-in-the-box.com

[lung]

update from 2.bangkok.com

---

Latest news

What a coup is like in Thailand - 05:41, September 20, 2006

A coup in Thailand does not mean that everything comes to a stop for an extended period. During Thai coups and even outright paralysis of top Thai governments organs in past decades, the Thai bureaucracy remained in place providing all basic government services through days and weeks of crisis. During this present incident mobile phone and internet connections were never offline (except for when some sites were overwhelmed by heavy traffic). International broadcast media was cut--most likely for fears that the tenacious Thaksin would attempt a speech that would then find its way back to his rural supporters on television.

Patriotic images of the King were used in conjunction with announcements from the new regime to show that its activities were not being made at the expense of royalty. Even the junta's name, "Committee for Democratic Reform under the Monarchy as Head of State," emphasizes this. Using royal imagery and the prompt audience with the King at midnight Tuesday is intended to pacify die-hard rural Thaksin supporters who might otherwise oppose the new order.

Bangkok covers a large area and most of the overt military activity is only happening in a small area that houses government offices far downtown near the old part of the city. In addition to this there is a military presence at broadcast media outlets around town and at key intersections in the city. Business and tourism areas such as Silom, Sathorn, and Sukhumvit should not see much disruption. While traffic last night was lighter than normal from our vantage point in northwestern Bangkok, there was a continuous flow of vehicles along Ratchadapeisek Road and the elevated expressway at Weepahwahdeerangsit Road as usual.

Much of the military's security activities now are aimed at making sure military units loyal to Thaksin do not try to cause trouble or create a provocative incident, as well as maintaining general law and order in a time of uncertain authority. In the past Thaksin has proved himself to be decisive and cunning in his political dealings far beyond what is expected for a traditional Thai politician. There will be concern that Thaksin will not give up easily if there is any way to strike back. As Thaksin allies are accounted for throughout the country, fears for confrontation should be diminished.

The Thai military has had a dismal record of governing after coups and this must certainly be making generals think twice before every move they make.

* There will be fears for the Thai economy if the Shin Corp buyout deal is halted or reversed and this could have severe consequences for the Thai baht valuation. How hard the military decides to go after Thaksin and his assets will be key.

* TRT contains the brightest and most ambitious of Thailand ruling classes including local strongmen and business tycoons. These people will be anxious to see how deeply the military sword will cut into TRT ranks in terms of arrests and investigations for profiteering. Who, if anyone, might be barred from future political life will also be watched closely.

The nature of the junta's plans should be known by midday Bangkok time as there is a meeting at 9:00am with university presidents, permanent secretaries of ministries, and other key government bureaucrats for an expected explanation of the military government's plans.

---

so then i will wait one hour more

[taxexile]

What a coup is like in Thailand - 05:41, September 20, 2006

A coup in Thailand does not mean that everything comes to a stop for an extended period. During Thai coups and even outright paralysis of top Thai governments organs in past decades, the Thai bureaucracy remained in place providing all basic government services through days and weeks of crisis. During this present incident mobile phone and internet connections were never offline (except for when some sites were overwhelmed by heavy traffic). International broadcast media was cut--most likely for fears that the tenacious Thaksin would attempt a speech that would then find its way back to his rural supporters on television.

Patriotic images of the King were used in conjunction with announcements from the new regime to show that its activities were not being made at the expense of royalty. Even the junta's name, "Committee for Democratic Reform under the Monarchy as Head of State," emphasizes this. Using royal imagery and the prompt audience with the King at midnight Tuesday is intended to pacify die-hard rural Thaksin supporters who might otherwise oppose the new order.

Bangkok covers a large area and most of the overt military activity is only happening in a small area that houses government offices far downtown near the old part of the city. In addition to this there is a military presence at broadcast media outlets around town and at key intersections in the city. Business and tourism areas such as Silom, Sathorn, and Sukhumvit should not see much disruption. While traffic last night was lighter than normal from our vantage point in northwestern Bangkok, there was a continuous flow of vehicles along Ratchadapeisek Road and the elevated expressway at Weepahwahdeerangsit Road as usual.

Much of the military's security activities now are aimed at making sure military units loyal to Thaksin do not try to cause trouble or create a provocative incident, as well as maintaining general law and order in a time of uncertain authority. In the past Thaksin has proved himself to be decisive and cunning in his political dealings far beyond what is expected for a traditional Thai politician. There will be concern that Thaksin will not give up easily if there is any way to strike back. As Thaksin allies are accounted for throughout the country, fears for confrontation should be diminished.

The Thai military has had a dismal record of governing after coups and this must certainly be making generals think twice before every move they make.

* There will be fears for the Thai economy if the Shin Corp buyout deal is halted or reversed and this could have severe consequences for the Thai baht valuation. How hard the military decides to go after Thaksin and his assets will be key.

* TRT contains the brightest and most ambitious of Thailand ruling classes including local strongmen and business tycoons. These people will be anxious to see how deeply the military sword will cut into TRT ranks in terms of arrests and investigations for profiteering. Who, if anyone, might be barred from future political life will also be watched closely.

The nature of the junta's plans should be known by midday Bangkok time as there is a meeting at 9:00am with university presidents, permanent secretaries of ministries, and other key government bureaucrats for an expected explanation of the military government's plans.

from 2Bangkok.com

[naka]

A statement issued by Sonthi read out over army radio said the Cabinet, the 1997 Constitution, the Constitution Court and Parliament had been disbanded.

This from the Malaysian News Agency Bernama

Naka.

[dougrobinson2024]

My wife says that the army head said that they have a goal of cutting out all the laws from Thai year 2540 to now. What does that mean?

Since this is year 2549, I think it means that the Constitution of 1997 is no longer in effect.

So what laws would that cut out? Any that might affect us?

That means there is marshal law which is whatever the military sets up. We have to wait and see what is instore for us.

The one sure thing about Coups is the Military does not have to be in compliance with any laws they choose not to follow. Whatever laws the military comes up with will be only temporary until they decide to turn things over to a government. The real question is who will they turn things over to and when? I just hope things work out for the locals, Thais and Xpats included.

Amen!

My heart and prayers are with all of you in Thailand. Hope all are safe and sound.

[Colonel_Mustard]

At last my UBC is back (minus BBC, CNN and other news channels)

[konangrit]

Channel 11, ITV back on

[Acharn]

Army vs Army, could get ugly fast

I don't think so. The people involved (Army) haven't forgotten the ground rules. We used to have these every few years -- just like elections. It's just the way different people belly up to the trough and push some of the old-timers aside. One of the rules is you don't disrupt business. There'll be a day or two of holiday, but most businesses will be open. By Monday everything will be normal.

I'll grant you things got nasty in 1992, but that was because the Army was faced with large crowds of demonstrators and didn't know how they were supposed to act.

And, hey! Maybe they'll forget to force the bars to close at 1:00AM!

[gisele]

My heart and prayers are with all of you in Thailand. Hope all are safe and sound.

I didn't even know anything had happened, nor did all my neighbours. It's only when people started coming back home with the children because the schools were closed that my daughter found out what happened. I was on my way to teach my early class when my daughter called me to say her school was closed.

[davidjtayler]

Im just heading out from Vic monument across to near Khaosan road .... Ill send a report from the street once Ive got to my office.....

[Hollywood]

Things should be back to normal soon.

I will be traveling to Bangkok in a couple of weeks without any fear.

Hang in there all.

Mac OSX users can dwnld a VF3 TV widget and get BBC and Thai news channels.

edited by sbk

[Tony Clifton]

More teeth than usual can be seen this morning in my moo ban. But that can be misleading in the land of smiles.

[Jai Dee]

Public Warning

Speculation and discussion about HRH The King and Thai Royalty is against the Forum Rules.

Information of this nature shall be limited to news bulletins content only.

Thanks for your understanding.

[Acharn]

where are all the moron expats that are usually on the forum with there THE RULES ARE THE RULES. is this what the rules are?

Why, yes it is. I guess you haven't been in Thailand very long. We used to do this every couple of years, in lieu of elections. Well, I'm being condescending -- it really has been a long time. The last one was 1990, if I recall correctly. 1992 was a different thing.

Actually, I think I probably agree with you about the "moron expats", but I call myself an expat too, so I was a bit offended.

[lung]

update from "the last stand"

----

Coup as it unfolds

The Nation monitors the events that led to the coup as well as events after it as following:

Sept 19

8.00 am Thaksin Shinawatra calls an urgent teleconference with all armed forces' commanders at Government House, but none attends.

Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkarin, the army chief, later says the meeting is hastily called. Rumor then spread around the capital and the stock market that a coup de tat is under way.

12.00 am After finishing the webcamera teleconference with Thaksin, who is New York, several Cabinet members check with reporters if there would really be a coup.

6.30 pm The Army's special forces from Lopburi move into Bangkok. Gen Prem Tinnasulalonda, president of Privy Council, has an audience with HM the King, reportedly on a meritmaking ceremony for ML Bau Kittiyakala.

6.55 pm Thai News Agency reports that Thaksin will return to Bangkok on Thursday, instead of Friday.

8.00 pm 191 police receive M16 rifles to prepare for an antiriot assignment.

9.00 pm The Army'[s special forces from Lopburi arrive at the Army's Bangkok headquarters.

Web surfers post messages on Pantip.com asking if there is a coup de tat.

9.10 pm The armyowned TV Channel 5's mobile TV broadcast unit arrives at the Army's Bangkok headquarters.

9.30 pm TV channel 5 cancels regular programming and puts on air royallyauthored songs.

Reporters at Government House say situation is normal, but rumour was rife that deputy premier Pol Gen Chidchai Vanasatit and defence minister Gen Thammarak Isarangkun have been under custody.

Panthongthae, Thaksin's son, reportedly has left Thailand for the UK.

9.40 pm Police commandos arrive Baan Chansongra, Thaksin's residence.

10.00 pm Army tanks take position at Bangkok Makkawan Rangsan Bridge and Rajdamnern Avenue.

10.10 pm CNN reports Bangkok situation

10.20pm Thaksin declares a state of emergency via the phone from New York. He also issues two orders, transferring en Sondhi from the post of army chief to the PM's Office, and naming Gen Rungroj Mahasaranond as the officer in charge of the crisis.

11pm "The Administrative Reform Council" (ARC) issues a first statement on TV network, saying the armed forces and national police have peacefully seized control of Bangkok and surrounding areas. Soldier seize the Shinawatra Building, iTV television stationand Thaksin's residence.

11.15pm Soldiers put steel barricades at Sri Ayudha and Rajdamnoen Roads

11.50pm ARC issues the second statement explaining the reasons for the coup d'etat, citing national disunity and rampant corruption. ARC says it plans to return power quickly to the people

12.39am ARC issues third statement, nullifying the constitution, the caretaker Cabinet and the Constitutional Court.

8:00 am ARC spokesman announces Gen Sonthi will make announcement on TVs at 9 am. The spokesman also announces that TV stations can resume their normal programmes but most continue to relay signals from Channel 5 except iTV, which briefly airs its morning news programme.

8:50 am: Permanent officials and rectors of universities start arriving at the Army headquarters to report themselves to the ARC. Khunying Jaruvan Mainthaka, the auditor-general, flashes a thumb-up to reporters.

9:16 am Sonthi holds a press conference. The first part of his statement is similar to the first statement of the ARC. He says the ARC has to seize power to solve the country's problems caused by the Thaksin admnistration.

Sonthi appears on TV along with the police chief and commanders of other armed forces in the four-minute announcement.

After Sonthi finishes reading the statement, a spokeswoman announces that the TV pool is disbanded and TV stations resume normal programmes.

-------

[lopburi3]

At 9:25 regular Thai TV programming returned. Channel ITV currently airing newscast of event.

[davidjtayler]

Just arrived at my office near Khaosan road and its very, very quiet on the roads .. hardly any traffic .. went through a couple of army checkpoints and all very calm at the moment.

[tracker]

I just drove from my home in nakhon pathom to bkk, knowing nothing what was going on. I found check-points (2), but they didn't even stopped me. Looks ok to me. I'm in bkk now, in my office, alone..., preparing to head back home.

[petedk]

Thai TV channels are back on air with what looks like normal programs.

BBC, CNN, CNBC are still blocked.

[TopChinese]

Has the army issued their statement as scheduled at 9am?

[lopburi3]

There was a joint statement read at 9:15 that this would be a short term situation/take over only and TV returned to normal operation with normal newscast and programming.

[siddv]

Just talked to the TGF in the condo and she's watching news listening to patriotic music saying nothing to worry about. "Last time after 4 days everything ok". She is planning to go shopping for new furniture today at Future Park. Says everything is normal, "falang worry so much but not Thai, happen before its ok" She says "David...Relax!"

[davidjtayler]

General Sondhi with his joint commanders has stated that the army temporarily control the government for a short time until a new government is formed ... he has told people not to worry.

[thaitransit]

From a post on the 2bangkok forum

"All land borders are closed" as at 9.45am thai time today

is this really true?

why would they do that but keep the airport open or at least i assume its open?

[Colonel_Mustard]

General Sondhi with his joint commanders has stated that the army temporarily control the government for a short time until a new government is formed ... he has told people not to worry.

I seem to remember the army chief of pakistan saying something similar after their military coup. And several years later he's still in charge. Maybe this will be different. I certainly hope so.

[lung]

short nation.com-update

... After Sonthi finishes reading the statement, a spokeswoman announces that the TV pool is disbanded and TV stations resume normal programmes.

9:50 am A source in New York tells a radio programme that Thaksin is considering whether to go to England or not.

Edited September 20, 2006 by lung

[Colonel_Mustard]

From a post on the 2bangkok forum

"All land borders are closed" as at 9.45am thai time today

is this really true?

why would they do that but keep the airport open or at least i assume its open?

Maybe the military are after the visa runners too

[Bizz]

waiting to see how this will effect the stock market and the rate of exchage.

Hopefully there will be a peacefull outcome to all this.

[geoffphuket]

Thai television has resumed its normal schedule of soap's

[george]

Thailand's military tightens grip

BANGKOK: -- Thai military leaders have begun consolidating their hold on power after staging a coup while the prime minister was at the UN General Assembly.

Martial law has been declared, and the coup leaders have announced that regional commanders will take charge of areas outside the capital, Bangkok.

Army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin said in a TV address that the coup was necessary to unite the country.

The military had no intention of holding onto power, he added.

Flanked by the heads of the three services and the police, and backed by giant portraits of the king and queen, Gen Sonthi said in the brief address that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's policies had created serious divisions.

"We have seized power. The constitution, the senate, the house of representatives, the cabinet and the constitutional court have all been terminated," he said.

"We agreed that the caretaker prime minister has caused an unprecedented rift in society, widespread corruption, nepotism, and interfered in independent agencies, crippling them so they cannot function.

"If the caretaker government is allowed to govern it will hurt the country.

"They have also repeatedly insulted the king. Thus the council needed to seize power to control the situation, to restore normality and to create unity as soon as possible."

The coup leaders have ordered provincial governors and heads of government agencies to report to them in the coming hours.

The country's stock market, banks and schools will be closed on Wednesday, which has been declared a public holiday.

BBC World, CNN and other international TV news channels have been taken off the air, while Thai stations have broadcast footage of the royal family and patriotic songs.

Mr Thaksin cancelled a speech he was due to give at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday evening.

It is unclear whether he intends to return home.

Declaration of loyalty

Tuesday saw soldiers seize government offices in Bangkok and take up strategic positions around the city.

The rebels have visited King Bhumibol Adulyadej and declared loyalty to him.

Many of the soldiers on the streets are wearing yellow armbands to signify loyalty to the king.

King Bhumibol, who is highly revered by Thais, has made no comment about whether he backs the takeover attempt.

But there has been some negative reaction from abroad.

The EU's Finnish presidency expressed "grave concern" at events, and the US called on Thais "to resolve their political differences in a peaceful manner".

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said he deeply regretted the fact that the coup had taken place, while New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark urged politicians and military to resolve their differences democratically.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said the organisation supported changes of government through democratic means rather than by the barrel of a gun.

'Unease'

Pressure had been growing on the prime minister to resign, including from groups close to King Bhumibol, following a political impasse in which April's general election was declared invalid.

But the BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok reports that while many people wanted Mr Thaksin out of office, there will be unease about the way this has happened, and people will be looking to see whether the king has supported the coup.

It is the first coup attempt in 15 years in a country where they used to be commonplace. There were 17 of them between 1932 and 1991.

Opposition Senator Mechai Viravaidya welcomed Mr Thaksin's departure, despite doubts about the methods used.

"I'm delighted he's gone," he said. "It would have been great if he had resigned voluntarily, but apparently he was too stubborn. But at least it's better than an assassination."

But government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee, speaking from New York, said he was confident the coup would fail .

--BBC 2006-09-20 10:20