Boos and Jeers greet Newin and Yongyuth
Former PM's Office Minister Newin Chidchop and former Natural Resources Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat have individually reported themselves to the Administrative Reform Council (ARC) on midday Thursday.
Two former ministers who had served under the previous government of the ousted Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, were greeted by boos and jeers from the waiting protestors, some of whom went up to their cars and pound on it to make a point.
Soldiers were quick to pull them away from the cars for fear that emotion would get out of hand.
ARC issued an order on Wednesday, summoning the two to report themselves to the Royal Thai Army headquarters, citing peace and stability of the nation.
Both were known to be strong defenders and close to Thaksin.
Newin arrived Army headquarters on Rajadamnoen Road at about 11.45am. As he approach the gate, Newin lowered the car's window and smiled at waiting reporters. However a group of people emerged and yelled as well as cursed at him. "Traitor," a man was heard yelling at Newin, while some others banged at his van.
A man, Supachai Withitworakarn, 57, said he did not like Newin because he organised counter protesters to clash with anti-Thaksin protesters, which could lead to violence.
At about 12.50am, Yongyuth arrived at the Army headquarters. He was also greeted with the same boos and jeers. Some approached his vehicle and yelled at him. His vehicle then ran into the headquarter compound.
The Nation
Tanks in Bangkok,coup attempt?
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Freedom Fried
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All
84% of Thais agree with the coup.
75% believe the coup will improve Thai politics.
[Quote: A survey conducted by Suan Dusit Poll yesterday among 2,019 people from various occupations nationwide found that 83.9% were for the takeover by the Council for Democratic Reform.]
http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/21Sep2006_news02.php
http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/21Sep2006_news04.php
an individual of the Kingdom of Thailand -- an individual Adulyadej -- has fully endorsed the military intervention:
'The Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) announced His Majesty an individual's endorsement of Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin as its leader yesterday in what was seen as confirmation that the council had the situation under control.'
http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/21Sep2006_news01.php
Meanwhile, Thaksin has fled to London (he bought a mansion there only weeks ago). I only hope that he is politely asked by the British to find somewhere else to hide.
To quote Thaksin:
''On my way here [to New York, to deliver a speech to the UN General Assembly and lobby for Mr Surakiart to be the new UN secretary-general] I was prime minister. On my way back I'm jobless.''
''If they don't want me to work, it's OK. I won't,'' he added.
http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/21Sep2006_news03.php
Well, excuse me Mr Thaksin, you were NOT prime minister -- you were a self-appointed caretaker prime minister. Your sophistry knows no bounds.
Jobless? Jobless, Mr Thaksin? Your choice of words is astonishing. You didn't do a day's work in your life, save for robbing the Kingdom of Thailand to such an extent that the military had to step in to oust you.
'On my way back I'm jobless.' How's that for a political super ego?
The military's menology was faultless, expertly timed to cause Thaksin maximum international embarrasment: they waited until he was out of the kingdom at a high profile UNGA meeting and then they swooped, surrounding Thaksin's residence and laying seige to to the PMs private barracks. Fully all of said troops defected to the coup battalions.
Now that is what I call military planning.
Thaksin, you are history. A footnote of history.
To see pictures of Thai and falang handing smiling troops red roses and yellow ribbons warms the heart.
This situation is different though. A bad man is going, not coming.
Out. Not in.
And not a drop of blood spilt.
But history can be a very unpredictable animal.
On a more optimistic note we must hope that a repeat of the Thai coup happens on Capitol Hill and Downing Street: bloodless coups are sorely needed in more places than one, as everyone of all nations are far too well aware.
FF
84% of Thais agree with the coup.
75% believe the coup will improve Thai politics.
[Quote: A survey conducted by Suan Dusit Poll yesterday among 2,019 people from various occupations nationwide found that 83.9% were for the takeover by the Council for Democratic Reform.]
http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/21Sep2006_news02.php
http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/21Sep2006_news04.php
an individual of the Kingdom of Thailand -- an individual Adulyadej -- has fully endorsed the military intervention:
'The Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) announced His Majesty an individual's endorsement of Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin as its leader yesterday in what was seen as confirmation that the council had the situation under control.'
http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/21Sep2006_news01.php
Meanwhile, Thaksin has fled to London (he bought a mansion there only weeks ago). I only hope that he is politely asked by the British to find somewhere else to hide.
To quote Thaksin:
''On my way here [to New York, to deliver a speech to the UN General Assembly and lobby for Mr Surakiart to be the new UN secretary-general] I was prime minister. On my way back I'm jobless.''
''If they don't want me to work, it's OK. I won't,'' he added.
http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/21Sep2006_news03.php
Well, excuse me Mr Thaksin, you were NOT prime minister -- you were a self-appointed caretaker prime minister. Your sophistry knows no bounds.
Jobless? Jobless, Mr Thaksin? Your choice of words is astonishing. You didn't do a day's work in your life, save for robbing the Kingdom of Thailand to such an extent that the military had to step in to oust you.
'On my way back I'm jobless.' How's that for a political super ego?
The military's menology was faultless, expertly timed to cause Thaksin maximum international embarrasment: they waited until he was out of the kingdom at a high profile UNGA meeting and then they swooped, surrounding Thaksin's residence and laying seige to to the PMs private barracks. Fully all of said troops defected to the coup battalions.
Now that is what I call military planning.
Thaksin, you are history. A footnote of history.
To see pictures of Thai and falang handing smiling troops red roses and yellow ribbons warms the heart.
This situation is different though. A bad man is going, not coming.
Out. Not in.
And not a drop of blood spilt.
But history can be a very unpredictable animal.
On a more optimistic note we must hope that a repeat of the Thai coup happens on Capitol Hill and Downing Street: bloodless coups are sorely needed in more places than one, as everyone of all nations are far too well aware.
FF
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Freedom Fried
- udonmap.com
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All
here is more of my opinion.
This might be considered controversial but then, Thaksin was, wasn't he.
Thailand's Coup
In case you're not already aware, the military in Thailand staged a coup on Tuesday night (Bangkok time), ousting caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Traditional spin can be found in your favorite news sources.
My commentary will take a slightly different angle.
A coup d'้tat (pronounced /ku de'ta/), or simply a coup, is the sudden overthrow of a government through unconstitutional means by a part of the state establishment, that mostly replaces just the top power figures. It is also an example of political engineering. It may or may not be violent in nature. It is different from a revolution, which is staged by a larger group and radically changes the political system. The term is French for "a (sudden) blow (or strike) to a state" (literally, coup, hit, and ษtat, state, always written with a capital ษ in this meaning).
Thailand's political history is littered with coups, and this is the 18th coup since 1945 - perhaps it's because the Thais understand the farce of democratic elections.
The event is nowhere near as dramatic as represented by our usual news sources. I have spoken by telephone to 3 people in Bangkok, who confirm that many businesses are operating normally, despite the declaration of martial law and a bank holiday. Some in rural and tourist areas are not even aware of developments.
For those of us not directly affected by the coup, the best thing we can do is sit up and take note of what actions are taken, so that we're prepared if the same thing happens in our country. And this may not be as far-fetched as it sounds. As we move closer and closer to the breaking point of all Western systems, military coups will become commonplace: either as a catalyst for change, or as a result of something in the system breaking (perhaps a stock market crash?).
We must always keep in mind that events in otherwise remote areas are often permitted or engineered so that valuable lessons can be learned by leaders of greater nations. (Do you find it ironic, as I do, that the PM was visiting the UN and the Council on Foreign Relations when the coup occurred? Hmmm..)
Find it hard to believe that Western nations watch and learn from Third World Countries? Ponder for a moment the desperate situation in Zimbabwe. This human tragedy has continued unchecked for over 12 years, with little international commentary, meaningful aid or intervention. Nevertheless, many valuable lessons have been learnt by Western leaders about property confiscation and government tyranny. But I digress.
Here are the results of the Thai coup, which could easily affect you if the same were to happen in your country:
Local TV stations are controlled to broadcast news of the coup;
In Thailand, images of an individual and patriotic songs and messages were broadcast;
TV stations unsympathetic to the cause are shut down;
In Thailand, foreign stations broadcast via cable like BBC and CNN were blacked out, making it almost impossible to receive independent news reports;
State of Emergency and Martial Law is declared. In Bangkok, tanks and soldiers were deployed in city streets to protect an individual's residence and Government House;
Banks closed, allowing only access to ATM's;
Stock prices tumble as country's credit rating is downgraded;
Borders closed and all overland travel denied;
Gatherings of more than 5 people prohibited;
Although no official curfew has been announced, most Thais in Bangkok are remaining indoors after dark.
It doesn't take much imagination to realize the impact actions such as these will have on the man in the street, as the value of his home crashes, his money remains inaccessible and travel becomes [almost] impossible.
Look how quickly it happened in Thailand - the same is coming very soon for the US and other Western nations - doubt it not.
FF 
here is more of my opinion.
This might be considered controversial but then, Thaksin was, wasn't he.
Thailand's Coup
In case you're not already aware, the military in Thailand staged a coup on Tuesday night (Bangkok time), ousting caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Traditional spin can be found in your favorite news sources.
My commentary will take a slightly different angle.
A coup d'้tat (pronounced /ku de'ta/), or simply a coup, is the sudden overthrow of a government through unconstitutional means by a part of the state establishment, that mostly replaces just the top power figures. It is also an example of political engineering. It may or may not be violent in nature. It is different from a revolution, which is staged by a larger group and radically changes the political system. The term is French for "a (sudden) blow (or strike) to a state" (literally, coup, hit, and ษtat, state, always written with a capital ษ in this meaning).
Thailand's political history is littered with coups, and this is the 18th coup since 1945 - perhaps it's because the Thais understand the farce of democratic elections.
The event is nowhere near as dramatic as represented by our usual news sources. I have spoken by telephone to 3 people in Bangkok, who confirm that many businesses are operating normally, despite the declaration of martial law and a bank holiday. Some in rural and tourist areas are not even aware of developments.
For those of us not directly affected by the coup, the best thing we can do is sit up and take note of what actions are taken, so that we're prepared if the same thing happens in our country. And this may not be as far-fetched as it sounds. As we move closer and closer to the breaking point of all Western systems, military coups will become commonplace: either as a catalyst for change, or as a result of something in the system breaking (perhaps a stock market crash?).
We must always keep in mind that events in otherwise remote areas are often permitted or engineered so that valuable lessons can be learned by leaders of greater nations. (Do you find it ironic, as I do, that the PM was visiting the UN and the Council on Foreign Relations when the coup occurred? Hmmm..)
Find it hard to believe that Western nations watch and learn from Third World Countries? Ponder for a moment the desperate situation in Zimbabwe. This human tragedy has continued unchecked for over 12 years, with little international commentary, meaningful aid or intervention. Nevertheless, many valuable lessons have been learnt by Western leaders about property confiscation and government tyranny. But I digress.
Here are the results of the Thai coup, which could easily affect you if the same were to happen in your country:
Local TV stations are controlled to broadcast news of the coup;
In Thailand, images of an individual and patriotic songs and messages were broadcast;
TV stations unsympathetic to the cause are shut down;
In Thailand, foreign stations broadcast via cable like BBC and CNN were blacked out, making it almost impossible to receive independent news reports;
State of Emergency and Martial Law is declared. In Bangkok, tanks and soldiers were deployed in city streets to protect an individual's residence and Government House;
Banks closed, allowing only access to ATM's;
Stock prices tumble as country's credit rating is downgraded;
Borders closed and all overland travel denied;
Gatherings of more than 5 people prohibited;
Although no official curfew has been announced, most Thais in Bangkok are remaining indoors after dark.
It doesn't take much imagination to realize the impact actions such as these will have on the man in the street, as the value of his home crashes, his money remains inaccessible and travel becomes [almost] impossible.
Look how quickly it happened in Thailand - the same is coming very soon for the US and other Western nations - doubt it not.
FF
Over 300 community radio suspended
More than 300 community radio stations in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son suspended broadcasts yesterday on orders from the ruling council.
MajGeneral Supaaksorn Sangprakul of the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) sent letters to the governors of the three upper northern provinces instructing them to close down community radio operations.
The Public Relations offices in Lamphun, Lampang and Phayao also told community radio stations in those northern provinces to turn their transmitters off.
Terdsak Jiemkietwattana, head of the community radio union in the upper northern provinces, said the 300 stations were taking a break to prevent airing any programming that might go against the policy of the CDRM.
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Lamphun form the political stronghold of the Thai Rak Thai Party, where many local people are still believed to be loyal to sacked prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, he said.
"I look at it as an attempt of the military to prevent Thaksin from using the community radio network in his political base as a channel to air his side," he said.
LtGeneral Saphrang Kanlayanamitr of the Third Army Area has called a meeting with operators of more than 500 community radio stations at the Third Army headquarters in Phitsanulok.
Terdsak said the union would meet the military to discuss the status and future of community radio out of concern that stations across the country would be dissolved now that the Constitution has been revoked.
Terdsak said many people called him to say that they felt frustrated with the shutdown of community radio and uneasy that they had no medium to voice their opinion.
"I seek permission to open community radios. Only providing songs without political comments is OK," he said.
Chiang Mai University lecturer Teerapat Wannaroumon said the repeal of the charter was a good chance to systemise community radio so it can operate without interference from commercial interests.
##################################
In Udon Thani, Muan Chon Community Radio, run by the proThaksin Udon Lovers Club, stopped broadcasting on Wednesday. Before the coup, the station called on Thaksin supporters to rally, demanding that he be allowed to remain in the premier's post.
Police were stationed at the radio station's building as well as the office of Siang Tham Community Radio Station, owned by revered monk Luangta Maha Bua.
###################################
Kraisorn Pornsuthi, permanent secretary of the Information and Communications Technology Ministry, asked radio stations to cancel phonein programmes according to the order of the CDRM.
The Nation
By SUTIN WANNABOVORN
Associated Press Writer
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- Thailand's new ruling military junta announced Thursday that four top members of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's administration had been detained. The move came as the military banned meetings of political parties and barred the establishment of new parties.
Also, coup leaders said they were assuming the duties and powers of parliament, which had been dissolved.
That announcement, made on all Thai television stations, said the action was taken to maintain peace and order.
The actions are the latest moves by the junta to maintain control, even though no open opposition has emerged to its Tuesday night takeover. Other moves include limitations on public meetings and restrictions on the media.
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Freedom Fried
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rickfarang
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Troops 'training' in Udon Thani thanons i.e. need I elaborate?
Sorry I just don't get it troops have been training in Udon for the past four years that I have lived here. Why is that making thinks more serious in whatever time evalaultion?
So I guess for a simple person like I suppose you do need to elaborate.
Sorry I just don't get it troops have been training in Udon for the past four years that I have lived here. Why is that making thinks more serious in whatever time evalaultion?
So I guess for a simple person like I suppose you do need to elaborate.
Yuo know I probably shouldn't even say this, but here goes anyway and trust me I don't mean to offend anyone. There probably isn't going to be a military coup in the U.S. tomorrow but there certainly is one here right now.
If you have something factual to share I'm sure everyone would be very interested in knowing what that is, if it is based on fact.
I doubt that there is anyone here that does no realize that at the moment we are sitting on a powder keg.
So factual information is valuable.
Conjectuer on the other hand I would tend to really wonder about.
If you have something factual to share I'm sure everyone would be very interested in knowing what that is, if it is based on fact.
I doubt that there is anyone here that does no realize that at the moment we are sitting on a powder keg.
So factual information is valuable.
Conjectuer on the other hand I would tend to really wonder about.
Freedom Fried and ray can we please keep this topic about the coup in thailand, ABOUT THE COUP IN THAILAND and NOT about a coup in the USAray23 wrote:Yuo know I probably shouldn't even say this, but here goes anyway and trust me I don't mean to offend anyone. There probably isn't going to be a military coup in the U.S. tomorrow but there certainly is one here right now.
If you have something factual to share I'm sure everyone would be very interested in knowing what that is, if it is based on fact.
I doubt that there is anyone here that does no realize that at the moment we are sitting on a powder keg.
So factual information is valuable.
Conjectuer on the other hand I would tend to really wonder about.
would be a shame to go OFF topic and mess the topic up,thanks
rgds
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09 ... 014332.phpSupachai approached for interim PM's post
Unctad boss set for talks with CDRM; Admin Court chief Ackaratorn also in the running
The search for an interim prime minister has extended across the globe, with Dr Supachai Panitch-pakdi, secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, emerging yesterday as a top candidate alongside Supreme Administrative Court president Ackaratorn Chularat, highly placed sources said.
Earlier reports yesterday said the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) had decided on Ackara-torn and that the appointment could come as early as today. But it was reported later that he had asked for time to think about the offer.
Ackaratorn refused to say yesterday whether he was ready to become premier, noting that he already had his hands full with his current job.
"I have no idea. My hands are full. If they have [asked], I would have said so,'' he said.
Asked if he would accept the top job if asked to, he replied: "I am carrying out my duty. One has his own duty."
The sources said if Supachai agreed to take the post, he would become the first choice. One source said Supachai's wife had confirmed that the CDRM had asked Supachai to take up the premiership.
The CDRM launched a successful, bloodless military coup on Tuesday night to overthrow the Thaksin government.
The source said Supachai, a former director-general of the World Trade Organisation, is scheduled to fly to Bangkok soon to discuss the offer with members of the CDRM, led by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin.
Over the past two days, speculation has been running wild in the local media about possible candidates to take over as Thailand's next prime minister. The names include MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, the Bank of Thailand governor, and Ackaratorn.
Sonthi has promised that a new civilian government would be up and running within two weeks. At that point he and the CDRM would step into the background to allow democratic reform to proceed.
At least two of Supachai's close friends have confirmed reports that there had been talk of appointing Supachai, who is well-respected in the international arena, as prime minister.
One of his friends said: "Yes, he is one of the candidates."
Another friend asked: "How come the news has spread so fast?"
Supachai was not available for comment. His friends said he was travelling outside Geneva, where Untac has its headquarters.
Supachai's credentials make him a strong candidate because he has an international reputation that would lift the country's standing during this time of political transition. And his economic background should see him well accepted by local business circles.
Supachai was previously a deputy prime minister under the Democrat Party, but is now seen as a neutral figure. He has not worked for the Democrat Party since his appointment to the WTO.
Bank of Thailand Governor Pridiyathorn has also been at the front of nominations for the next premiership. People in the business and financial communities have broadly welcomed news that Pridiyathorn might take the reins.
A source close to him said it was not certain whether Pridiyathorn would eventually get the job because it also appeared that he might be offered the finance portfolio.
Supreme Court President Charnchai Likhitjittha and Privy Councillor Palakorn Suwannarat are other candidates to be PM.
Supreme Court secretary-general Charan Pakdeethanakul said that if Charnchai were approached, it was likely that he would accept the proposal because a request from the CDRM was like a command from His Majesty an individual.
Charnchai could not comment on the matter because he strictly observes protocol, he said. However, Charan said he believed Charnchai would be a suitable choice and could carry out its associated duties.
Other possible candidates to take up ministry portfolios include General Panthep Phuwanat-nurak as defence minister. The former Forth Army Region commander is close to Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda.
Former defence ministry permanent secretary General Ood Buangbon could become interior minister; while Piyasvasti Amranand, former secretary general of the National Energy Policy Office, may become energy minister; and Krirk-krai Jirapaet, former permanent secretary for commerce, could be commerce minister.
Sorry to bring another country into thisfarang wrote:
Freedom Fried and ray can we please keep this topic about the coup in thailand, ABOUT THE COUP IN THAILAND and NOT about a coup in the USA
would be a shame to go OFF topic and mess the topic up,thanks
rgds
Now that "toxin" has so graciously dumped himself in the UK
what implications will it bring to bring to this country 
as we, (like many other western countries) have a recognised Thai community so his "Safe Haven" might not be as safe as he would like 
...the problem here being that our "peaceful protests" tend to turn into "Riots" Hope he's just passing through
farang wrote:Freedom Fried and ray can we please keep this topic about the coup in thailand, ABOUT THE COUP IN THAILAND and NOT about a coup in the USAray23 wrote:Yuo know I probably shouldn't even say this, but here goes anyway and trust me I don't mean to offend anyone. There probably isn't going to be a military coup in the U.S. tomorrow but there certainly is one here right now.
If you have something factual to share I'm sure everyone would be very interested in knowing what that is, if it is based on fact.
I doubt that there is anyone here that does no realize that at the moment we are sitting on a powder keg.
So factual information is valuable.
Conjectuer on the other hand I would tend to really wonder about.
would be a shame to go OFF topic and mess the topic up,thanks
rgds
farang,I think they are still on course,why don't you youtube them 
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laphanphon
i drive by at least twice a day, i didn't notice a thing. if they did show up, all Luangta Maha Bua would have to do is ask them politely to leave and i'm sure they would.Police were stationed at the radio station's building as well as the office of Siang Tham Community Radio Station, owned by revered monk Luangta Maha Bua
(original post by BKKSTAN)
The Nation wrote:SONTHI OUTSMARTED THAKSIN AT THE ELEVENTH HOUR
Had Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin not moved as fast as he did to stage a coup on Tuesday, Thaksin Shinawatra would have launched his own coup a day later. Don't be fooled by Thaksin's claim that he stands for democracy.
As the political crisis developed to the point of no return concerning whether Thaksin should stay or be booted out, General Sonthi had no choice but to swallow his words about the days of military coups being over. He had been very reluctant to resort to a coup, as he was known not to have any political ambitions. Moreover, he was not known to be an enemy of Thaksin. Although General Sonthi has a good relationship with both Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda and Privy Council member General Surayuth Chulanont, he came to power partly due to a political compromise struck with Thaksin.
However, an intelligence report reached General Sonthi's camp stating that there would be bloodshed on Wednesday. The People's Alliance for Democracy had planned to hold a political rally that day at the Royal Plaza in order to force Thaksin out of politics. Had that rally taken place, there would have been clashes between the People's Alliance for Democracy and Thaksin's supporters and blood would have been spilt on Rajdamnoen Avenue. If only Thaksin had promised that he would take a break from politics and allow a period of political reforms to take place, the PAD and other branches of the anti-Thaksin movement would have declared victory. All political confrontations would have subsided. Thaksin could have run for office once the Constitution was amended, and he would have been returned to the premier's post, probably in the latter part of next year.
However, Thaksin never considered taking a break from power. Again, don't be fooled by his "taking a break" story - the idea never crossed his mind.
The General Sonthi camp learned that during the PAD rally, Yongyuth Tiyapairat and Newin Chidchob were planning to rally their supporters to create an ugly scene at the Royal Plaza. During the ensuing commotion, there would be human casualties. Thaksin would then have stepped in and declared a state of emergency, placing the country under martial law.
Now you can understand why he had time to prepare his state of emergency statement and read it at 9.20pm on Channel 9 from his New York hotel room. You can also understand why Yongyuth and Newin are now at the top of this country's most-wanted list and have surrendered themselves to the CDRM for interrogation.
Once the situation was under his complete control, Thaksin had planned to fly back yesterday in order to declare victory over anti-democratic elements in society. He had a military reshuffle list in hand that would have further consolidated his control over the military. With that accomplished, everything would have been easy. Virtually all institutions in the country would have been under his directive.
From his New York hotel, Thaksin was preparing to deliver an address at the UN Assembly. The room instead turned out to be the headquarters from which he attempted to launch a counter-coup and negotiate a political settlement. In New York, he planned to recruit top-notch American political consultants to advise him on his political campaign for the next election, which would have been pushed back from October 15 to some time in November.
Thaksin's talk of taking a break from politics was simply lip service. He told the Thai public he would decide whether to take a break from politics only after his Thai Rak Thai went to the Election Commission to register as candidates. This means Thaksin would have liked His Majesty an individual to endorse a new election date before he made his decision.
Members of the Thai elite and the PAD, however, would not allow this to happen. If Thaksin were to run in the next election, he would have won. With 12 million votes or so, he would have claimed a democratic majority and he also would have stayed on as prime minister. After that he could rewrite Thai history by turning Thailand into his own regime.
General Sonthi had to act fast to head off Thaksin's coup. He staged a military coup on Tuesday, a day before the bloodshed was set to take place. He and Thaksin did have a telephone conversation on Tuesday evening, with Thaksin trying to buy time and negotiate a settlement.
He told General Sonthi that if he kept his cool, Thaksin would take a break from politics. He asked Sonthi to wait until he returned from New York so that the two could talk things out and said that he would reschedule his return flight to Bangkok to Wednesday, instead of yesterday as he had planned.
General Sonthi was polite, but told him that he had no choice, that he had to stage the coup.
In the meantime, Thaksin was checking on his military allies, who had control of Bangkok, for the most part. He remained certain that in a military power play, he could still emerge the victor. Maj-General Prin Suwannathat, commander of the First Infantry Brigade, is a close ally of Thaksin and he holds the most powerful military post in Bangkok. The commanders of the Air Force and the Navy are also good friends of Thaksin.
General Sonthi had the support of Lt-General Saphrang Kalayanamit of the Third Army, who had been outspoken in his anti-Thaksin remarks. The Third Army is in charge of all military operations in the North. Another key ally of Gen Sonthi is Lt-General Anupong Phaochinda of the First Infantry Division in Bangkok. Maj-General Sanit Prommas, the commander of the Second Cavalry Brigade, also came to play an important role in the power play to seize the capital.
Troops from Prachin Buri and Lop Buri were also mobilised to the capital to assist in the coup, the decisive outcome of which was ironically the victory of thaharn ban nok (upcountry military).
As it turned out, all of Thaksin's military allies, most notably Maj-General Prin, had been marked out - they could not move. General Ruengroj Mahasaranont, the supreme commander and a Thaksin ally, was to look after Bangkok once Thaksin had declared martial law. He too was subdued. Chidchai Vanasatidya and Prommin Lertsuridej were unable to launch any sort of counter effort.
Thaksin's wife Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra was supposed to take a 12am flight to Singapore on Tuesday night. She quickly changed her flight to 9pm. Well, Gen Sonthi had to let her off the hook.
Twenty-five minutes later, knowing that his wife was safely on an aircraft bound for Singapore, Thaksin read out his state of emergency address from his New York hotel room, effectively sacking General Sonthi .
But an hour later, General Sonthi declared a counter-coup to overthrow the Thaksin regime and tear up the Constitution.
The rest is history.
Thanong Khanthong
The Nation
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Freedom Fried
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Thanks for the clarification.Freedom Fried wrote:All
I was advised last night (21/09/48) by the holy television that military exercises were taking place in Udon Thani.
I interpret that as media doublespeak for 'watch out.'
But then, I always was the paranoid type.
Grassy knoll anyone?
FF
But lets not Forget that there are two military bases here an Army base and a Airforce base. Excercises are not unusual at all, including Cobra Gold.