Thailand military denies there's a coup underway

Thailand’s army imposed martial law nationwide after months of political turmoil that brought down an elected leader and tipped the economy into a contraction.

The move is not a coup and people should not be concerned, Army Chief Prayuth Chan-Ocha said on local television. The military is seeking to restore order and asks political groups to halt their protests, he said. Soldiers and military vehicles were on the streets of the capital Bangkok, although no curfew had been imposed.

“There will be a center to control order, headed by the army chief,” Prayuth said. “The center can enforce any law under the martial law act to control the situation effectively.”

The move is the army’s most direct involvement in the Southeast Asian nation’s politics since 2006, when then-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was removed in a coup, with Thai stocks and the baht falling. Martial law already is in place in parts of southern Thailand, and then-prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva briefly declared it in Bangkok in 2010 to quell anti-government protests.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-19/thai-military-declares-martial-law-to-curb-protests-denies-coup.html

Ben_Reilly wrote:

Thailand’s army imposed martial law nationwide after months of political turmoil that brought down an elected leader and tipped the economy into a contraction.

The move is not a coup and people should not be concerned, Army Chief Prayuth Chan-Ocha said on local television. The military is seeking to restore order and asks political groups to halt their protests, he said. Soldiers and military vehicles were on the streets of the capital Bangkok, although no curfew had been imposed.

“There will be a center to control order, headed by the army chief,” Prayuth said. “The center can enforce any law under the martial law act to control the situation effectively.”

The move is the army’s most direct involvement in the Southeast Asian nation’s politics since 2006, when then-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was removed in a coup, with Thai stocks and the baht falling. Martial law already is in place in parts of southern Thailand, and then-prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva briefly declared it in Bangkok in 2010 to quell anti-government protests.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-19/thai-military-declares-martial-law-to-curb-protests-denies-coup.html

The countries political divisions make Labour/Tory and Republican/Democrat seem feeble don't they?

The problem is the Shinawatra family; the country needs to move on from them, although I lean toward the Reds in Thailand it is clear that the way they are held on a pedestal by one half of the country yet despised by the other will always create problems where one of them is involved.

The funny thing is the north of the country simply doesn't experience these problems they way Bangkok and parts of the south do.

I'll be over in Thailand next week so I'm hoping things don't go too awry   

Eilzel wrote:

Ben_Reilly wrote:

Thailand’s army imposed martial law nationwide after months of political turmoil that brought down an elected leader and tipped the economy into a contraction.

The move is not a coup and people should not be concerned, Army Chief Prayuth Chan-Ocha said on local television. The military is seeking to restore order and asks political groups to halt their protests, he said. Soldiers and military vehicles were on the streets of the capital Bangkok, although no curfew had been imposed.

“There will be a center to control order, headed by the army chief,” Prayuth said. “The center can enforce any law under the martial law act to control the situation effectively.”

The move is the army’s most direct involvement in the Southeast Asian nation’s politics since 2006, when then-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was removed in a coup, with Thai stocks and the baht falling. Martial law already is in place in parts of southern Thailand, and then-prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva briefly declared it in Bangkok in 2010 to quell anti-government protests.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-19/thai-military-declares-martial-law-to-curb-protests-denies-coup.html

The countries political divisions make Labour/Tory and Republican/Democrat seem feeble don't they?

The problem is the Shinawatra family; the country needs to move on from them, although I lean toward the Reds in Thailand it is clear that the way they are held on a pedestal by one half of the country yet despised by the other will always create problems where one of them is involved.

The funny thing is the north of the country simply doesn't experience these problems they way Bangkok and parts of the south do.

I'll be over in Thailand next week so I'm hoping things don't go too awry   

Be careful! I know somebody who's over there right now and I hope he's OK and gets back safely.

Ben_Reilly wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

The countries political divisions make Labour/Tory and Republican/Democrat seem feeble don't they?

The problem is the Shinawatra family; the country needs to move on from them, although I lean toward the Reds in Thailand it is clear that the way they are held on a pedestal by one half of the country yet despised by the other will always create problems where one of them is involved.

The funny thing is the north of the country simply doesn't experience these problems they way Bangkok and parts of the south do.

I'll be over in Thailand next week so I'm hoping things don't go too awry   

Be careful! I know somebody who's over there right now and I hope he's OK and gets back safely.

Cheers, I'm sure I'll be fine, last time I was there there was a bit of trouble in central Bangkok, but I saw nothing of it first hand. We can at least hope it turns out not to be a coup but the politics there is so shaky   

I'm sure you will be sensible Les, but it could be a bit of a tricky situation, so take double care.

I will thanks Sass

 
Thai Martial Law: "The coup you have when you're not having a coup.."

Eilzel wrote:

Ben_Reilly wrote:

Be careful! I know somebody who's over there right now and I hope he's OK and gets back safely.

Cheers, I'm sure I'll be fine, last time I was there there was a bit of trouble in central Bangkok, but I saw nothing of it first hand. We can at least hope it turns out not to be a coup but the politics there is so shaky   

Hi Les

My son's best friend has lived in Thailand for some years now. I just checked his facebook page to see if he was okay, and all it's full of is Arsenal winning a cup! So I expect things aren't that bad.

Tesstacious wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

Cheers, I'm sure I'll be fine, last time I was there there was a bit of trouble in central Bangkok, but I saw nothing of it first hand. We can at least hope it turns out not to be a coup but the politics there is so shaky   

Hi Les

My son's best friend has lived in Thailand for some years now.  I just checked his facebook page to see if he was okay, and all it's full of is Arsenal winning a cup!  So I expect things aren't that bad.

   Typical fella!

Tesstacious wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

Cheers, I'm sure I'll be fine, last time I was there there was a bit of trouble in central Bangkok, but I saw nothing of it first hand. We can at least hope it turns out not to be a coup but the politics there is so shaky   

Hi Les

My son's best friend has lived in Thailand for some years now.  I just checked his facebook page to see if he was okay, and all it's full of is Arsenal winning a cup!  So I expect things aren't that bad.

Haha, exactly Tess, for most people life goes on, as is often the case these problems are often isolated to just parts of the capital- it is still concerning but I'm not expecting to be effected by it

Eilzel wrote:

Tesstacious wrote:
Hi Les

My son's best friend has lived in Thailand for some years now.  I just checked his facebook page to see if he was okay, and all it's full of is Arsenal winning a cup!  So I expect things aren't that bad.

Haha, exactly Tess, for most people life goes on, as is often the case these problems are often isolated to just parts of the capital- it is still concerning but I'm not expecting to be effected by it

Take great care of yourself Mr E x

David wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

Haha, exactly Tess, for most people life goes on, as is often the case these problems are often isolated to just parts of the capital- it is still concerning but I'm not expecting to be effected by it

Take great care of yourself Mr E x

Yes Sir    x

Eilzel wrote:

David wrote:

Take great care of yourself Mr E x

Yes Sir    x

Am I that bossy lol?

Eilzel wrote:

Tesstacious wrote:
Hi Les

My son's best friend has lived in Thailand for some years now.  I just checked his facebook page to see if he was okay, and all it's full of is Arsenal winning a cup!  So I expect things aren't that bad.

Haha, exactly Tess, for most people life goes on, as is often the case these problems are often isolated to just parts of the capital- it is still concerning but I'm not expecting to be effected by it

Next week?! Its come too soon   
Bet you cant wait! xxx

Nems wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

Haha, exactly Tess, for most people life goes on, as is often the case these problems are often isolated to just parts of the capital- it is still concerning but I'm not expecting to be effected by it

Next week?! Its come too soon   
Bet you cant wait! xxx

Yeah I go Sunday, and no I can't haha    xx

Eilzel wrote:

Nems wrote:

Next week?! Its come too soon   
Bet you cant wait! xxx

Yeah I go Sunday, and no I can't haha    xx

I'm still waiting for my ticket ....enjoy yourself sweetie and be safe xxx

Cass wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

Yeah I go Sunday, and no I can't haha    xx

I'm still waiting for my ticket ....enjoy yourself sweetie and be safe xxx

Thanks Cass x

I left the ticket with eddie's cookies   

Eilzel wrote:

Cass wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

Yeah I go Sunday, and no I can't haha    xx

I'm still waiting for my ticket ....enjoy yourself sweetie and be safe xxx

Thanks Cass x

I left the ticket with eddie's cookies   

Take care and stay safe Les and remember to keep checking in here when you arrive.

Irn Bru wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

Thanks Cass x

I left the ticket with eddie's cookies   

Take care and stay safe Les and remember to keep checking in here when you arrive.

Cheers Irn, I intend to remain regular enough   

Eilzel wrote:

Irn Bru wrote:

Take care and stay safe Les and remember to keep checking in here when you arrive.

Cheers Irn, I intend to remain regular enough   

You will be taking the senna then Eil????

victorisnotamused wrote:

Eilzel wrote:

Cheers Irn, I intend to remain regular enough   

You will be taking the senna then Eil????

   

Thailand's Army Chief Announces Military Coup

After months of political deadlock and deadly protests, Thai military forces seize power in the Southeast Asian country. The National Peace Keeping Committee that imposed martial law on Tuesday will now take full control of the country to prevent the conflict escalating..

http://news.sky.com/story/1266765/thailands-army-chief-announces-military-coup

Oh no this is awful   

David wrote:Oh no this is awful   

yup and now even more worried for our les and his fells and his family....please please let them all be safe x

Cass wrote:

David wrote:Oh no this is awful   

yup and now even more worried for our les and his fells and his family....please please let them all be safe x

Indeed Cass I meant to say I was worried too about Mr Ex

I'm still here; but still going- it is getting tense now.

Frankly the situation is a joke; the popular Puea Thai party or Thai Rak Thai party as it was under Thaksin, have won every free election for the last 12 years- and everytime they are ousted by the army or the courts who blatantly support the conservative, pro-royal, RW National Democrat party.

The army say they will implement reforms. Presumably that means Thailand can have democracy, but only if they start voting 'the right way'. An absolute disgrace in a country that is suffocated by elitist corruption.

Btw I really do appreciate the concern- but honestly I hear from my boyfriend every single day; two days ago he was having fun on a resort in Pattaya; when he starts to worry I'll start to worry. For now his main concern is our new sofa, so bad as it seems, for now it is well contained and only a problem for those wanting to protest. It is a crap situation and I'm hoping it doesn't erupt before I go but as yet don't worry x

I know darling but I'm a mum and I worry.....just let us know you are ok and the BF and his family xx

^monsewer David ....I know x

@ Cass: x
@ Mr E : x

Thailand's Army Chief Announces Military Coup
British citizens are warned to exercise "extreme caution" in Thailand as the army seizes power and imposes a nationwide curfew.

Thailand's army chief has announced his forces are taking control of the government following months of deadly clashes.

General Prayuth Chan-ocha said on live TV: "In order for the country to return to normal quickly the National Peace Keeping Committee comprised of the army, the Thai armed forces, the Royal Air Force and the police need to seize power as of May 22 at 4.30pm."

He added: "All Thais must remain calm and government officials must work as normal."

The National Peace Keeping Committee that imposed martial law on Tuesday will now take full control of the country to prevent the conflict escalating, he said.

General Prayuth said the constitution is being suspended, and all cabinet ministers must report to the military by the end of the day.

A nationwide curfew from 10pm to 5am has been imposed, and meetings of more than five people banned.

In addition, all TV and radio stations have been ordered to stop normal programmes and only broadcast army material.

Later, after the curfew had begun, the army announced that social media would be blocked if it contained any content "provoking violence or opposing their military coup".

In response to the move, the US Department of Defence said it was reviewing military assistance and engagements with Thailand.

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said that Thailand should restore its civilian government.

He said: "I am extremely concerned by today's coup. There should never be recourse to violence: only by openly discussing the full range of issues can Thailand move forward.

"We are monitoring the situation on the ground very carefully. British nationals in Thailand or thinking of travelling to Thailand should monitor the FCO's travel advice, which will be continually updated as events develop."

Thai soldiers reportedly fired into the air to disperse thousands of pro-government Red Shirt protesters, who gathered in western Bangkok after the coup was announced.

In the past six months of violence, 28 people have been killed and the Thai economy has shrunk by 2.1%.

The coup - the country's 19th since the fall of absolute monarchy in 1932 - follows two days of meetings between rival political leaders that failed to break the deadlock.

Politicians at the talks, held at a heavily guarded military HQ in Bangkok, were seen being taken away by soldiers.

It was unclear whether they had been formally detained.

Acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan - who replaced Yingluck Shinawatra after she was removed from office by the Thai Supreme Court earlier this year - did not attend because he was busy, according to a government official.

General Prayuth said his forces would "provide protection" for foreigners in Thailand, which is visited by around one million Britons a year.

British ambassador to Thailand Mark Kent said: "British citizens should exercise extreme caution and follow travel advice and media updates."

On Wednesday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged thosae in control to have "full respect for democratic principles".

Red Shirt supporters of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was toppled in a coup, and his sister Yingluck have been on the streets since November last year.

http://news.sky.com/story/1266765/thailands-army-chief-announces-military-coup

Oh Les, this could not have come at a worse time for you.

Eilzel wrote:I'm still here; but still going- it is getting tense now.

Frankly the situation is a joke; the popular Puea Thai party or Thai Rak Thai party as it was under Thaksin, have won every free election for the last 12 years- and everytime they are ousted by the army or the courts who blatantly support the conservative, pro-royal, RW National Democrat party.

The army say they will implement reforms. Presumably that means Thailand can have democracy, but only if they start voting 'the right way'. An absolute disgrace in a country that is suffocated by elitist corruption.

Just checked - my son's friend from Thailand's back online - (excuse the language!) :

"Curfew in Thailand & the Cables off thank fuck for the internet & music or id be pulling my hair out if i had any lol thank fuck i got the drinks in before everything shut happy hunting peeps evrything closed now..."

     

HO HUM...

Another day, another coup in Paradise..

1962 :   Burma
1972 :   Philippines - Marcos imposes Martial Law (until snap elections in 1986..)
1975 :   Indonesia invades and annexes East Timor
1988 :   Burma
1975/1990 :   Bougainville declared twice it's independence from New Guinea; then eventually declared an "autonomous region" after peace talks brokered by New Zealand ~ Oz and NZ have had police and military intervention there since..
1999 - 2002 :   East Timor declares it's succession and independence from Indonesia after elections, but Indonesia bites back; UN declares East Timor's independence (sponsored by Australia and Portugal, opposed by Indonesia); Australia invades Indonesian territories to secure E.T.'s safety (under UN auspices..), kick's Indonesia's butt, and sends West Timor "militia's" back home with their cowardly tails between their scrawny legs !
1999 - 2003 :   Solomon Islands - after several years of civil unrest, Australian, NZ and Fijian military and police moved into the Solomons to maintain peace..
2006 :   Thailand
2000/again in 2006 :   Fiji ~ Colonel Bananarama's infamous coup d'etat..
2014 :   Thailand, again

Might be ho hum to you Bee, but Les is going to live there on Monday and we want him safe, so it's not ho hum to us, and most especially, it's not ho hum to Les.

No it is anxious at the moment; I do feel the streets are safer for the foreseeable future with the army there though- the red shirts and yellow shirts can be violent at the best of times   

Eilzel wrote:No it is anxious at the moment; I do feel the streets are safer for the foreseeable future with the army there though- the red shirts and yellow shirts can be violent at the best of times   

I hope you are safe when you get there Mr E xxx

Why now Les?! I will worry about you both, hopefully things will settle down.  Just keep safe.

I'm sure you can't wait to get there now whatever the circumstances; it's been a long year for you both  x

You're totally right thanks FtL, honestly the only thing on my kind is seeing my BF again x

I can tell that lol, on my kind? Your mind isn't on typing, it's in Thailand lol

EIL.....foreign office is now saying British visitors should carry their passports AT ALL TIMES to avoid possibly being arrested...take care my friend...

Haha, iphones and wine Sass

Yeah I saw foreign office advice Vic and will be sure to follow it. They don't mess about in places like that. Thanks pal

If I don't catch you around tomorrow Les, stay safe, and keep in touch! x

Thanks Harves x

Emotional day coming up as I say goodbyes, wont be on much from this afternoon.

Eilzel wrote:Thanks Harves x

Emotional day coming up as I say goodbyes, wont be on much from this afternoon.

Aww I'm expecting that revenge airport text Les   xxx

Les please try and keep in touch. x
I know you are so happy to be seeing your partner again but we cant help but worry about you xx

Nems wrote:Les please try and keep in touch. x
I know you are so happy to be seeing your partner again but we cant help but worry about you xx

What's her partner doing in Thailand?

BigAndy9 wrote:

Nems wrote:Les please try and keep in touch. x
I know you are so happy to be seeing your partner again but we cant help but worry about you xx

What's her partner doing in Thailand?

What?

Nems wrote:Les please try and keep in touch. x
I know you are so happy to be seeing your partner again but we cant help but worry about you xx

He'd better!   x

feelthelove wrote:

Nems wrote:Les please try and keep in touch. x
I know you are so happy to be seeing your partner again but we cant help but worry about you xx

He'd better!   x

He had or we will set Scary FTL on him   

Nems wrote:

feelthelove wrote:

He'd better!   x

He had or we will set Scary FTL on him   

Oh yes   

Nems wrote:

BigAndy9 wrote:


What's her partner doing in Thailand?

What?

Is Eli's partner in Thailand?