Tanks in Bangkok,coup attempt?
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Martial Law. I suspect Thailand may have its own interpretation, but is generally taken to mean, firstly the suspension of all government powers to govern and for the military to rule in its place. It is normally only used when the elected governing body has demonstrated its completely unable to control a situation by itself.This may be on a regional or countrywide basis. The power of the military under a declared martial law is almost limitless. The power of life or death is prominent, it supersedes any court or other legal legislation. It is of interest to note, on this occassion it was the prime minister , the leader of the imnipotent parliament who sought to impose it to prop up his corrupt regime, but has been resisted by the military involved.This is , for me, the heartening thing about the current situation. Although not elected, the army is truly behaving in a democratic manner, unlike the previous coup where they followed, sheepishly, the orders of the almost defunct prime minister and killed many of their own citizens.Finally bowing to the outcry and the personal intervention of His Majesty an individual.On this occassion it would appear that all that has happened has been discussed with his Majesty first.This is the benefit of having a Constutional Monarchy who is the leader by rank of all the military forces. Without this anchor it is not Martial Law but revolution.Grandad wrote:Does anyone know what 'Martial Law' actually means? Val? Ray?
Bugger - I was supposed to go on my visa run today.
- johninperth
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I was working at a trading company in Bangkok during the last coup.
I remember the afternoon after it started very well. Martial law or at least a curfew was implimented and I was on my way home just after lunch but was caught between army roadblocks...
Students were massing and protesting against armed and very nervous soldiers......next thing shots were fired .....and I found myself close to some very scary action with people running in all directions.
I made it home to Phrakanong OK but a few days later it was reported many students were gunned down and their bodies dumped by helicopter over jungle north east of the captal........this was never confirmed.
Just goes to show dont take this type of thing lightly !....maybe OK now but if the situation continues and there is protest from the masses ( or paid stooges ) .....anything can happen !....stay indoors John.
I remember the afternoon after it started very well. Martial law or at least a curfew was implimented and I was on my way home just after lunch but was caught between army roadblocks...
Students were massing and protesting against armed and very nervous soldiers......next thing shots were fired .....and I found myself close to some very scary action with people running in all directions.
I made it home to Phrakanong OK but a few days later it was reported many students were gunned down and their bodies dumped by helicopter over jungle north east of the captal........this was never confirmed.
Just goes to show dont take this type of thing lightly !....maybe OK now but if the situation continues and there is protest from the masses ( or paid stooges ) .....anything can happen !....stay indoors John.
Personally I wouldn't do a visa run for a few day maybe we can start a pool to fund is a brief overstay for you.
My understanding of Martial Law simply means that the military is in control that law will be placed in effect on an emergency basis to maintian control. What that entails will probably be revealed to all us by the end of the day. At this juncture I have heard nothing of a curfew, of ristriction of movement. Beyond closing the Banks, Shcools and governement offices.
Our house keeper told us that a one of those loud speakers trucks went through her village telling about the new holiday and not send thie kids to school. She saw no military involvement.
The family news out of Ratchubury at this point was an individual told Thaksin not to come back to Thailand at the moment.
Thsi may turn into a very peaceful take over all and all I know it will if an individual has anything to do with it. My guess is it will be pretty much business as usual. Until we are told differently.
The only experience I have of these nature has been major riots on Los Angeles, and the bottom line was if you stayed out of the affected area, you had no problems, my guess is at the moment this is going to be about the same situation don't put yourself in harms way and you should be just fine. If there are going to be other ristrictions they will let us know.
Beyond Val as I have mentioned I have talked to many of the old timer that were here during the last event they told me they noticed nothing different in thier daily activities.
But this were stay at home guys thats what they did which was normal for them anyway.
My understanding of Martial Law simply means that the military is in control that law will be placed in effect on an emergency basis to maintian control. What that entails will probably be revealed to all us by the end of the day. At this juncture I have heard nothing of a curfew, of ristriction of movement. Beyond closing the Banks, Shcools and governement offices.
Our house keeper told us that a one of those loud speakers trucks went through her village telling about the new holiday and not send thie kids to school. She saw no military involvement.
The family news out of Ratchubury at this point was an individual told Thaksin not to come back to Thailand at the moment.
Thsi may turn into a very peaceful take over all and all I know it will if an individual has anything to do with it. My guess is it will be pretty much business as usual. Until we are told differently.
The only experience I have of these nature has been major riots on Los Angeles, and the bottom line was if you stayed out of the affected area, you had no problems, my guess is at the moment this is going to be about the same situation don't put yourself in harms way and you should be just fine. If there are going to be other ristrictions they will let us know.
Beyond Val as I have mentioned I have talked to many of the old timer that were here during the last event they told me they noticed nothing different in thier daily activities.
But this were stay at home guys thats what they did which was normal for them anyway.
Pops that seemed right on to me
The Thai news is back up this morning, not CNN or BBC. The wife told me that the coup leaders were summoned by an individual and met with him last night and they were instructed to take care of Thialand, her version not mine.
With The kings input early on there may not be one shot fired, wouldn't that be wonderful.
The Thai news is back up this morning, not CNN or BBC. The wife told me that the coup leaders were summoned by an individual and met with him last night and they were instructed to take care of Thialand, her version not mine.
With The kings input early on there may not be one shot fired, wouldn't that be wonderful.
- JimboPSM
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Hopefully, an object lesson in regime change.ray23 wrote:Pops that seemed right on to me
The Thai news is back up this morning, not CNN or BBC. The wife told me that the coup leaders were summoned by an individual and met with him last night and they were instructed to take care of Thialand, her version not mine.
With The kings input early on there may not be one shot fired, wouldn't that be wonderful.
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Here in Nong Khai its pretty much a normal day.It was chaos at the schools first thing,with those not having heard the news turning up as normal.Now they have returned home and its a normal Wednesday.
Those i have spoken to say its different this time as an individual was consulted right from the start.I do not see anyone here rallying for Mr Thaksin.Hopefully it looks like a peaceful transition.
Those i have spoken to say its different this time as an individual was consulted right from the start.I do not see anyone here rallying for Mr Thaksin.Hopefully it looks like a peaceful transition.
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From Rueters news service
By Pracha Hariraksapitak
1 hour, 47 minutes ago
BANGKOK (Reuters) - The Thai armed forces seized power without firing a shot, dismissed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's government, revoked the constitution and promised a swift return to democracy after political reforms.
ADVERTISEMENT
Army commander-in-chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who had dismissed the possibility of a coup in recent months as a political crisis dragged on, took the reins of power late on Tuesday without a government title.
A coup spokesman said Thaksin was ousted to resolve the near year-long political deadlock and stop "rampant corruption."
Thaksin tried to head off the coup, phoning a Thai television station from New York to announce a state of emergency.
The transmission stopped after 10 minutes while he was still talking, but his spokesman said the army could not succeed and insisted: "we're in control."
Within hours, however, Thaksin canceled the speech he was to give to the UN General Assembly. A senior Thai official said he and his delegation would leave New York on Tuesday night, but did not say where they were going.
The coup spokesman, retired Lieutenant-General Prapart Sakuntanak, said the army and police were in firm control after
Thailand's first coup in 15 years but its 18th since it became a constitutional monarchy in 1932.
Television showed the armed forces chiefs heading in a motorcade to the palace to report to revered an individual Adulyadej. That was likely to dampen any agitation in the countryside, where support for Thaksin is strong.
Documentaries of an individual in the countryside promoting development projects were also broadcast on television. That appeared to be aimed at reinforcing the military's insistence it was acting for the good of the country.
The heads of government departments were summoned to a meeting with the military leadership on Wednesday morning.
"TEMPORARY REGIME"
Armored vehicles and soldiers took up position on many street corners, but life in most of Bangkok continued much as usual, with traffic moving through rain-drenched streets and the airport operating normally.
The coup was condemned by the United States, the European Union, Australia and New Zealand, which all called for a return to democracy.
The seizure would be temporary and power "returned to the people" soon, coup spokesman Prapart said on all Thai television channels.
"Never in Thai history have the people been so divided," he said. "The majority of people had become suspicious of this administration, which is running the country through rampant corruption."
The army told all soldiers to report to base and banned unauthorized troop movements, suggesting the military leadership was worried that Thaksin loyalists might attempt a counter-coup.
The armed forces also announced that Wednesday would be a government, bank and market holiday in the interests of maintaining calm.
Foreign news channels, including CNN and the BBC, were taken off the air.
Prapart promised political reforms to end a political crisis stemming from accusations that democracy had been subverted by telecoms billionaire Thaksin, who argued he was its defender against opponents using unconstitutional means.
But Prapart did not say what reforms were envisaged, who would craft them or how long it might take to agree on them.
Weerasak Kohsurat, a deputy minister in a previous government, said he believed royal adviser Sumate Tantivejakul would steer the reform process.
Elections would be called when it was done and Thaksin, Thailand's longest serving elected prime minister, would be allowed to take part, he said.
"NO ALTERNATIVE"
After mass street protests against him in Bangkok, Thaksin, winner of two election landslides, called a snap poll in April, hoping his rural following would counter his metropolitan foes.
However, opposition parties argued he had skewed neutral bodies such as the Election Commission in his favor. The opposition boycotted the poll, rendering the result invalid.
Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) party had been expected to win a re-run tentatively scheduled for late November, increasing pressure on his opponents in the military and the old establishment to remove him by force.
The prolonged crisis has slowed economic growth and hit the stock market as consumer confidence waned.
The Thai baht, one of Asia's strongest currencies this year, suffered its biggest fall in three years within hours of the coup. Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor's put Thailand's credit rating on review for possible downgrades.
News of the coup helped lift the dollar and U.S. Treasuries as some investors ducked into safe havens.
By Pracha Hariraksapitak
1 hour, 47 minutes ago
BANGKOK (Reuters) - The Thai armed forces seized power without firing a shot, dismissed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's government, revoked the constitution and promised a swift return to democracy after political reforms.
ADVERTISEMENT
Army commander-in-chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who had dismissed the possibility of a coup in recent months as a political crisis dragged on, took the reins of power late on Tuesday without a government title.
A coup spokesman said Thaksin was ousted to resolve the near year-long political deadlock and stop "rampant corruption."
Thaksin tried to head off the coup, phoning a Thai television station from New York to announce a state of emergency.
The transmission stopped after 10 minutes while he was still talking, but his spokesman said the army could not succeed and insisted: "we're in control."
Within hours, however, Thaksin canceled the speech he was to give to the UN General Assembly. A senior Thai official said he and his delegation would leave New York on Tuesday night, but did not say where they were going.
The coup spokesman, retired Lieutenant-General Prapart Sakuntanak, said the army and police were in firm control after
Thailand's first coup in 15 years but its 18th since it became a constitutional monarchy in 1932.
Television showed the armed forces chiefs heading in a motorcade to the palace to report to revered an individual Adulyadej. That was likely to dampen any agitation in the countryside, where support for Thaksin is strong.
Documentaries of an individual in the countryside promoting development projects were also broadcast on television. That appeared to be aimed at reinforcing the military's insistence it was acting for the good of the country.
The heads of government departments were summoned to a meeting with the military leadership on Wednesday morning.
"TEMPORARY REGIME"
Armored vehicles and soldiers took up position on many street corners, but life in most of Bangkok continued much as usual, with traffic moving through rain-drenched streets and the airport operating normally.
The coup was condemned by the United States, the European Union, Australia and New Zealand, which all called for a return to democracy.
The seizure would be temporary and power "returned to the people" soon, coup spokesman Prapart said on all Thai television channels.
"Never in Thai history have the people been so divided," he said. "The majority of people had become suspicious of this administration, which is running the country through rampant corruption."
The army told all soldiers to report to base and banned unauthorized troop movements, suggesting the military leadership was worried that Thaksin loyalists might attempt a counter-coup.
The armed forces also announced that Wednesday would be a government, bank and market holiday in the interests of maintaining calm.
Foreign news channels, including CNN and the BBC, were taken off the air.
Prapart promised political reforms to end a political crisis stemming from accusations that democracy had been subverted by telecoms billionaire Thaksin, who argued he was its defender against opponents using unconstitutional means.
But Prapart did not say what reforms were envisaged, who would craft them or how long it might take to agree on them.
Weerasak Kohsurat, a deputy minister in a previous government, said he believed royal adviser Sumate Tantivejakul would steer the reform process.
Elections would be called when it was done and Thaksin, Thailand's longest serving elected prime minister, would be allowed to take part, he said.
"NO ALTERNATIVE"
After mass street protests against him in Bangkok, Thaksin, winner of two election landslides, called a snap poll in April, hoping his rural following would counter his metropolitan foes.
However, opposition parties argued he had skewed neutral bodies such as the Election Commission in his favor. The opposition boycotted the poll, rendering the result invalid.
Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) party had been expected to win a re-run tentatively scheduled for late November, increasing pressure on his opponents in the military and the old establishment to remove him by force.
The prolonged crisis has slowed economic growth and hit the stock market as consumer confidence waned.
The Thai baht, one of Asia's strongest currencies this year, suffered its biggest fall in three years within hours of the coup. Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor's put Thailand's credit rating on review for possible downgrades.
News of the coup helped lift the dollar and U.S. Treasuries as some investors ducked into safe havens.
Like most people on here I "hope for lucky'. There is some encouraging news on here if the reports of an individual being consulted are true and that a return to democracy will be quickly forthcoming. Sadly I was in Liberia in the early 80s just after a particulary corrupt government was removed from power (I think the deceased PM is still in the Guiness Book of Records as having the highest % of a population voting for him in an election - over 100%!!) sadly the country never really recovered and returned to democracy and was governed by people who took every last cent from it.
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Travel to Thailand issued by AP
The United States has urged Americans to reconsider any travel to Thailand while Britain told its citizens living there to stay in their homes, after the Thai military toppled the country's prime minister in a coup.
Japan and Australia advised citizens to be extremely careful in the Thai capital, where tanks surrounded government offices, and to avoid political rallies or concentrations of military personnel.
"In light of the very uncertain political situation and apparent military-led takeover of the government, we strongly advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Thailand until the situation is clarified," the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.
It asked those already in the capital to stay at home, and monitor the media.
The U.S. Embassy, in an e-mail to its citizens living in Thailand, said that while there had been no reports of violence in the overnight coup, Americans should "monitor the situation closely, avoid any large gatherings and exercise discretion when moving about the city."
"At this point, we are not advising Americans to leave Thailand; however, Americans planning to travel to Thailand may wish to carefully consider their options before traveling until the situation becomes clearer."
Britain's Foreign Office, in a notice on its Web site, warned that movement in the capital may be curtailed due to the imposition of martial law that came as Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was in New York attending the U.N General Assembly.
Japan and Singapore issued similar notices through their Foreign Ministries that urged nationals to remain in "safe" locations in the capital and avoid places of potential disturbances, such as the palace and government buildings.
South Korea advised its citizens against visiting Thailand, saying the situation remains "volatile."
New Zealand also warned its citizens in Thailand to be careful when moving around the city.
"Don't go sightseeing around government buildings. If a curfew is imposed -- and there is talk of a curfew -- then it should be respected," Ambassador Brook Barrington told Radio New Zealand in Wellington.
The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was assessing whether to change its advisory for Thailand.
BobHelm wrote:Like most people on here I "hope for lucky'. There is some encouraging news on here if the reports of an individual being consulted are true and that a return to democracy will be quickly forthcoming. Sadly I was in Liberia in the early 80s just after a particulary corrupt government was removed from power (I think the deceased PM is still in the Guiness Book of Records as having the highest % of a population voting for him in an election - over 100%!!) sadly the country never really recovered and returned to democracy and was governed by people who took every last cent from it.
Good example of what happens to a country of poor,uneducated and disenfranchised people!They finally rise up and overthrow their oppressors,but have no one smart enough to form a good gov't.
Fortunately thailand is blessed with a most revered individual that should maintain the balance and control needed for a good solution!
From the nation:
THAKSIN SEEKS EXILE IN LONDON
Thaksin eyes London move While the premier is likely to fly to London from New York, his wife escapes the coup and manages to flee to Singaporen
Thaksin Shinawatra may fly from New York to London to ponder an exile there as it appears he has lost his political grip at home.
Sources said Thaksin, who has been overthrown by a military coup in 16 years, may fly to join his famฌily in London, where he owns a luxฌury real estate.
As last evening's coup took shape Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, the wife of the caretaker prime minisฌter, escaped to Singapore.
It was reported that the former Cabinet members of the Thaksin government may try to form a govฌernment in exile, prompting coup leader Gen Sonthi Boonyaklin to invite ambassadors and represenฌtatives 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 a strong military backup, which he appears to have lost support.
Sources said Gen Ruengroj Mahasaranond, the supreme comฌmander, was placed in custody together with Pol Gen Chidchai Vanasatidya, deputy prime minister, as they tried to ward off the coup attempt last night.
Thaksin 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 supportฌers were subjugated. State televiฌsion this early morning aired a short video clip showing that Gen Sonthi with other heads of the armed forces made their way to the Chitralada Palace to brief His Majesty an individual about the political situation.
It was reported that Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, the president of the Privy Council, had an audience with an individual 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 criฌsis in Thailand. But the event was somehow cancelled.
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 cancelling 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 negatively and was keeping a close watch on the political developments in Thailand.
"We hope that the Thai society and the political actors find the way through peacefully. But, the US reacts negatively to what is hapฌpening in Thailand now," he said last night.
It is not known where Panthongtae, the family's only son, is, or whether he followed his mothฌer 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.
From the nation:
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 an individual, 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.
9:50 am A source in New York tells a radio programme that Thaksin is considering whether to go to England or not.
10:00 am Sondhi Limthongkul, a decision maker of the People's Alliance for Democracy, announces that the planned rally in the evening is cancelled. Sondhi also praises the army chief for staging the coup.
10:15 am Chamlong Srimuang, a decision maker of the PAD, passes the front of the army head office in a taxi. People give him an applaud as the taxi passes by.
10:40 am A spokesman of the AMC announces on TV pool that AMC invites students to take part in political reform. The spokesman says Gen Sonthi invites students to send suggestions on political reform to the AMC.
10:42 am A spokesman announces on TV pool that the AMC realises the problem of farmers and is considering how to help them so they should not demonstrate now.
10:45 am An AMC spokeswoman announces on TV pool that the AMC will take drastic action against any trader who hoard goods.
The spokeswoman also announces that the political gathering of more than five people is banned.
10:52 am An AMC spokesman reads an order of AMC leader Gen Sonthi for the Information and Communication Technology Ministry to check and censor any type of information dissemination that could affect the works of the AMC.
- arjay
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Wikipedia are on the ball, with an entry and step by step account of what has happened so far and reactions to it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Thail ... p_d'้tat
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Thail ... p_d'้tat