Thaksin Overthrown In Army Coup

[newworks]

RIP democracy in thailand, once again! i don't know whether to laugh or to cry. elected leader ousted by the army and the constitution revoked. same old song and dance... too bad; i was hoping that stuff like this was a thing of the past.

[newworks]

Lets not see this topic degenerate into a discussion about US politics please.

totster

yes, please! there are plenty of other forums for that.

[lukamar]

Another bulletin board is reporting that all land borders in Thailand have just been closed. Can anyone confirm this?

I checked and Mai Sai & Tak are close for sure as i checked and both have regular Army guards with M16's posted. So it's safe to say no stamps today.

[Tornado]

Bank of Thailand Governor reportedly accepted to become the Prime Minister

Bank of Thailand Governor MR Pridayadhorn Devakula cut short his trip to attend the International Monetary Fund/World Bank meeting in Singapore and he will arrive Bangkok at noontime. He said he agreed to accept to become Prime Minister. Nonetheless, it was expected that there would be a press conference at the Arm Force auditorium Wednesday.

Source: The Nation - 20 September 2006

Bring him on and lets get back to the job at hand. Anyone know anything about him?

[toybits]

Mae Sai (Chiang Rai) border is closed

Another bulletin board is reporting that all land borders in Thailand have just been closed. Can anyone confirm this?

Interestingly, the official Bangkok airport real time flight departures page shows no flights for today. Only the schedule for tomorrow's flights are shown.

http://www2.airportthai.co.th/html/b-sche-...e_f=ID&qr=D

Arrivals are shown and updated, and things look generally on time

http://www2.airportthai.co.th/html/b-sche-r-a.asp

[Tornado]

A lot of good links about him on google.

[ilyushin]

Thank you Commander Sondhi and the DRC

You have my full support to restore the country back to a real Thai democracy.

But will they? Often when people get a taste for power, they are more than a little reluctant to relinquish it.

Col. M. I understand your comments, but Commander Sondhi is a professional trooper who has served the country well he isn't likely to retain the power for himself. He is now in a position along with other commanders ( Democratic Reform Comm.) to give the people their choice. It won't happen tomorrow, but soon.

For the other comment made by some meathead on Thai democracy vs USA, etc.... Thai Democracy is always in flux ( maturity) and keep the UK, US and AU out of it. We have more freedom here than most other democratic countries.

Let this workout for the best of the country and its people.

Thanks Commander!

[salween]

Bank of Thailand Governor reportedly accepted to become the Prime Minister

Bank of Thailand Governor MR Pridayadhorn Devakula cut short his trip to attend the International Monetary Fund/World Bank meeting in Singapore and he will arrive Bangkok at noontime. He said he agreed to accept to become Prime Minister. Nonetheless, it was expected that there would be a press conference at the Arm Force auditorium Wednesday.

Source: The Nation - 20 September 2006

That should keep the markets and foreign investors happy.

[newworks]

Thank you Commander Sondhi and the DRC

You have my full support to restore the country back to a real Thai democracy.

But will they? Often when people get a taste for power, they are more than a little reluctant to relinquish it.

Col. M. I understand your comments, but Commander Sondhi is a professional trooper who has served the country well he isn't likely to retain the power for himself. He is now in a position along with other commanders ( Democratic Reform Comm.) to give the people their choice. It won't happen tomorrow, but soon.

For the other comment made by some meathead on Thai democracy vs USA, etc.... Thai Democracy is always in flux ( maturity) and keep the UK, US and AU out of it. We have more freedom here than most other democratic countries.

Let this workout for the best of the country and its people.

Thanks Commander!

what was wrong with the choice that the people made in the last two elections, or the choice that was scheduled to be made in the upcoming elections, before these people seized power in order to "give the people their choice"? democracy and election results aren't like a set of clothes that you can just change when they don't suit your fancy anymore.

[taxexile]

Breaking News from the Nation via 2bangkok.com

10:36 AM prisoners at Bang Kwang Central prison rioting

wardens have shot 2 prisoners to death 2 others are seriously injured ...

the prison mutiny is not fully subdued yet.

Martial Law Act of BE 2457

http://www1.mod.go.th/opsd/omdweb/lawsh.htm

[~G~]

Let this workout for the best of the country and its people.

Regardless of the level of corruption of the government, coups do not contribute the stability or democracy of a country, on the contrary.

[newworks]

Let this workout for the best of the country and its people.

Regardless of the level of corruption of the government, coups do not contribute the stability or democracy of a country, on the contrary.

exactly!

[stepenwolf1958]

I just HOPE Prime Minister have NO ANY support in the Army of Thailand,or that is some meanless support,i mean in HIGH ranked Army officers...THAT will be the ONLY way to escape a civil war,as that is going on here...but that will depemd on WHAT Prime Minister get as the answer in New York...as always is...

[bkkmick]

My wife in insisting on going into work in Silom to pay some staff wages. Anyone think that there will be a problem driving into Silom today?

[Acharn]

I think this wouldn't do any good to tourism , or do i see it wrong ??? I'm guessing but if they are not carefull now and sort this very very quickly Thai economy could end up in a big mess . This together with stricter visa laws , and tightening the foreing companies with houses .... well i see a recipy for disaster coming ....

Well, those changes to the visa regulations and the scrutiny of violations of the land laws, and the redifinition of business ownership, may very well be put on hold or forgotten, depending on which faction in TRT was behind them (they all smell of Purachai's cronies, but he's been living in New Zealand for some time now). There was at least one faction of TRT that was clearly xenophobic, but the "old elite" who back the coup are too, at least to some extent. Certainly Thaksin made some xenophobic statements back during his first term.

Anyway, past practice was that during and after a coup business goes along as usual, so the implementation of these things may continue as if nothing had happened. I noticed on Time/CNN's story, they mentioned that Thailand has had 24 coups in 74 years (since the "revolution" of 1932). They're used to it, even though we haven't had one since 1991 (the affair in 1992 was different).

[Thaising]

My wife in insisting on going into work in Silom to pay some staff wages. Anyone think that there will be a problem driving into Silom today?

You can have peace of mind driving into towndown, no problem as long as you are away from all main government building.

[Jai Dee]

Thailand Coup Leader Sondhi Says Government Corrupt

Sept. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Thailand's military coup leader Army Chief Sondhi Boonyarataklin said the armed forces ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra because his government was tainted with corruption and cronyism.

The military had to "take control and rectify this situation to enable the country to quickly return to normal and to restore solidarity among the people,'' Sondhi said in a live television broadcast today that lasted just three minutes.

The Thai Political Reform Council said earlier today it is in control of the Southeast Asian nation of 65 million people and declared allegiance to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, according to statements read on state television. The country's revered king is the world's longest reigning monarch and marked his 60th year on the throne in June.

The coup took place as Thaksin, 57, was in New York preparing to address the United Nations General Assembly. Thaksin has faced mounting calls for his resignation since January, when his family sold a stake in its telecommunications business for $1.9 billion without paying taxes. He has headed a caretaker government since he dissolved Parliament in February.

Sondhi, 59, gave his address flanked by the other military leaders, including Supreme Commander Ruangroj Mahasaranon, Royal Thai Navy Chief Sathiraphan Keyanont, and Royal Thai Air Force Chief Chalit Pukbhasuk and the country's police chief. His comments were broadcast on all Thai television stations.

Divisions Created

"The reform council that consists of the Armed Forces Supreme Commander, the chiefs of the armed forces, and the chief of police jointly took the view that rule by the caretaker government created extreme divisions in the Thai society as never seen before,'' Sondhi said. The government "was widely tainted with corruption'' and benefited cronies.

"Letting that situation continue could have hurt the nation's security and economy,'' he said.

Sondhi accused Thaksin's government of going against the 78- year-old king. The reform council late yesterday pledged allegiance to the king and met with him at midnight to inform the monarch of its actions. Soldiers adorned machine guns and tanks with yellow ribbons, a symbolic color of the monarch.

The coup leaders broadcast that they have suspended the constitution and dissolved the Cabinet, Senate and the constitutional court. In most ministries, permanent secretaries will take over temporarily, they said.

Source: Bloomberg - 20 September 2006

[animatic]

Not at all a suprise.

He just pissed off too many people for too long.

But in this age of communication,

I suspect the generals know to get the country back

into a new election ASAP, but they may want to

correct the constitutional flaws that allowed

the PM's machine to jigger

so much of the buracracy and legal system.

This may take awhile.

They knew by controling the flow of information up country,

he could take the election based on dis-information.

And continue business as usual, which would include

the same style of managment, of the southern problem.

I wish the best, for Thailand, the Thai people and the King.

And for the many guests who love this country too.

[phuketrichard]

what was wrong with the choice that the people made in the last two elections, or the choice that was scheduled to be made in the upcoming elections, before these people seized power in order to "give the people their choice"? democracy and election results aren't like a set of clothes that you can just change when they don't suit your fancy anymore.

What was wrong?? well it was said on cnn last night in the states that Thaksin brought the post he holds. Everyoine know that it was the people of Essan that placed him in power.

Not to say they count more or less than the rest of the country but we all know the truth.

Lets hope that the next goverment will be for the best for the country not just those that get handouts and vote for the person that gives them 500 baht.

[cutter007]

So what does everyone think here, will Taksin come back to Thailand anytime soon?

That has got to be one scary experience flying into a country where the entire military is after you.

[suiging]

So what does everyone think here, will Taksin come back to Thailand anytime soon?

That has got to be one scary experience flying into a country where the entire military is after you.

Specially when you can"t get a taxi and you've lost your golf clubs at the new airport

[number6]

My wife in insisting on going into work in Silom to pay some staff wages. Anyone think that there will be a problem driving into Silom today?

You can have peace of mind driving into towndown, no problem as long as you are away from all main government building.

we are going down town in 30 minutes and are not worried that me my thai wife and our baby

we did not want to cancel a meeting arranged for 2 months now but then im british stiff upper lip etc

dont panic ok and pass port please

[Jai Dee]

Singapore, Indonesia 'concerned'

Singapore (dpa) - The Singapore government expressed concern on Tuesday that prolonged uncertainties in Thailand will be a setback for the country and Asia as a whole.

Indonesia expressed concern over the anti-democratic developments.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[Jai Dee]

Police officers are gradually pouring to Royal Thai Police to report themselves

Police officials are gradually arriving at the Office of the Royal Thai Police to report themselves to original affiliations.

Following the Administrative Reform Committee under the Constitutional Monarchy’s unconditional order to prohibit all transfers of police and army officers, police commanders have continually turned up at the Office of the Royal Thai Police to report themselves this morning. The office has been surrounded by the metropolitan police officers as they are stringently securing the areas.

Members of the public who would like to contact the officials are allowed to enter and exit the office through Gate 1 only.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 September 2006

[Samuian]

This was in the books for a long time and more than overdue!

The Thai Armed Forces, as any armed Forces, of any given Country, are here to protect the Country and it's Citizens - that's what they are exercising, in a textbook manner, right now!

Keep the scumbacks out of business!

Samui Cabel Channel did broadcast BBC World and Fox News all night and today!

Here on Samui everything is calm and People seem to be well informed and satisfied about the outcome as of now!

[phuketrichard]

Thaksin eyes London move

BANGKOK (Nation): Sources claim that Thaksin Shinawatra may fly from New York Thaksin to join his family in London, where he owns a luxury real estate.

As last evening’s coup took shape Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, the wife of the caretaker prime minister, escaped to Singapore.

It was reported that the former Cabinet members of the Thaksin government may try to form a government in exile, prompting coup leader Gen Sonthi Boonyaklin to invite ambassadors and representatives of foreign countries in Bangkok for a meeting to clarify the situation.

It was not clear at press time this morning as to whether Thaksin has conceded power.

But any chances of his hope of regaining his power hinges upon strong military backing, which he appears to have lost support.

Sources have said that Gen Ruengroj Mahasaranond, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was placed in custody together with Pol Gen Chidchai Vanasat idya, Deputy Prime Minister, as they tried to ward off the coup attempt last night.

Thaksin last night declared a state of emergency from New York by announcing the removal of Gen Sonthi and ordering him to answer to Chidchai at the PM’s Office. He also appointed Gen Ruengroj as in charge of all security aspects in Bangkok.

But Thaksin’s military supporters were subjugated. State television this morning aired a short broadcast showing Gen Sonthi with other heads of the armed forces making their way to the Chitralada Palace to brief His Majesty the King about the political situation.

It was reported that Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, the president of the Privy Council, had an audience with HM the King late last night as the coup was under way.

The coup effectively tore apart the 1997 Constitution, abolished the Constitution Court, dissolved Parliaments and the Cabinet.

Gen Sonthi has emerged as Thailand’s most powerful magnate at the moment.

Thaksin was still in New York last evening and was scheduled to give an address at the UN General Assembly to discuss the current crisis in Thailand. But the event was canceled.

The ousted government’s spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said from New York that Thaksin would decide soon if he would still return to Thailand. “Prime Minister Thaksin is now in New York and he has not yet made up his mind where he will go. But he will have to make a decision soon,” he said.

After canceling his UN speech he holed up in a top New York hotel for much of the day as the coup went ahead in Bangkok.

The billionaire politician still has an official plane at his disposal. He has a private residence in London, where one of his daughters is studying.

A senior Thai official in New York said earlier that Thaksin planned to leave the United States overnight but that his destination was unknown.

A US official in Bangkok said the United States viewed the coup nega tively and was keeping a close watch on the political developments in Thailand.

“We hope that Thai society and the political actors find a way peaceful solution. But, the US reacts negatively to what is happening in Thailand now,” he said last night.

It is not known where Panthongtae, the family’s only son, is, or whether he followed his mother to Singapore last night. The whereabouts of the PM’s daughters Paethongtae and Pinthongta were also not known. Pinthongta is a student in London while Paethongtae is a political science student at Chulalongkorn University.

Brought to you by:

The Phuket Gazette

12:20 local time (GMT +7)

[jamie46]

News just said he's being refused going to london.

nobody loves the murdering scumbag

[Jai Dee]

NEWSMAKER - Thai army chief couldn't kick coup habit

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Throughout months of political stalemate, Thai army commander Sonthi Boonyaratglin swore the military had moved on from its days of meddling in government.

But having broken the mould as the first Muslim military chief in an overwhelmingly Buddhist country, the decorated Vietnam War veteran demonstrated that some habits are just too tough to kick.

With Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the United Nations in New York, Sonthi and his counterparts in the navy, air force and police carried out Thailand's 18th military coup in 74 years of on-off democracy.

Flanked by the heads of the other branches of the military and the police, the stocky 59-year-old appeared on national television on Wednesday morning to announce the formation of a 'Council of Political Reform'.

"The Council has no intention to run the country by ourselves and will return power, under the constitutional monarchy, to the people as soon as possible," he said.

Whatever the long-term outcome, the move was a major about-turn for Sonthi, who took up the position as army commander-in-chief a year ago, painting himself as a modern, professional soldier who shunned interference in politics.

"Don't worry about coups," the former special forces officer told reporters in November as speculation mounted about a military move to resolve a looming political stalemate stemming from a Bangkok street campaign against Thaksin.

"The country needs a strong economy, society and stable government. Coups will ruin the country," he said.

However, as the crisis deepened with an inconclusive and then annulled election in April, his frustrations -- and unswerving loyalty to King Bhumibol Adulyadej -- started to emerge.

"The country's problem, which originated some time ago and which has prevailed until now, has saddened His Majesty, which has upset and worried me," he was quoted as saying in a Thai paper.

"As a soldier of His Majesty, I would like to help him relieve his worry and the Army would adhere strictly to whatever advice he gives us," he said.

WORDS OVER WEAPONS?

Analysts said the promotion of a Muslim to head of the army appeared to be a deliberate attempt to resolve a separatist insurgency in Thailand's Malay-majority far south, where more than 1,700 people have died in 2-½ years of violence.

However, the native of central Thailand rejected the notion, saying he had been appointed purely on his track record.

"I'd rather use the mouth and negotiations than weapons to fight the insurgency," he said on his appointment, which was expected to last for two years before his retirement at the age of 60, as is standard in the Thai military.

Last week, he organised a peace rally in the south and opened the door to potential negotiations with the still unknown leaders of the insurgency -- a stance that put him at direct loggerheads with his political masters.

Perhaps sensing rumblings within the ranks, Thaksin made sure Sonthi was at his side when he made a surprise trip at the start of August to see leaders of the military junta in neighbouring Myanmar.

Last week, Sonthi returned alone to the generals' new jungle stronghold in the heart of the former Burma, although insisted on his departure for the three-day visit he was going only to forge closer military ties.

Source: Malaysian Star - 20 September 2006

[Plus]

There's a rumor of Thaksin's supporters fighting back. Phone lines could be cut sometimes in the afternoon.

It ain't over til it's over. They have considerable forces under command.

There's tight control over the media and so only "good" news trickle down.

Wait until Thaksin publicly concedes, he's been unusually quiet. I somehow don't think he is sleeping in peace, and he's got his official airplane with him, and a bunch of ex-officials.

[booman]

I'm here in Thailand (Pattaya) internet on, tv showing CNN, FOX and BBC (dont like Thai soaps anyway.)

All landlines and mobiles phones working so whats the problem?

Actually (here in Pattaya) they just came back on after being off since early morning (TV) the internet services and telecom had never been shut down. The Coup backers will obviously want international support (understanding?) and have once again turned on the foreign (free) press.