Placeholder canvas

Thailand martial law: Live Report

Date:

08:15 GMT – AFP IS NOW CLOSING ITS LIVE REPORT on the declaration of martial law in Thailand. A kingdom beset by years of political instability now enters a fresh period of uncertainty.

Most Thais in Bangkok at least appear to have shrugged off the return of soldiers onto their streets. But how the following weeks will pan out is anyone’s guess.

Much now depends on whether the military or other forces move to replace the government, currently headed by new Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan.

Possible options include the appointment of an unelected interim premier — which the opposition protesters are demanding — to run the country until fresh polls are held at some point in the future.

However, the “Red Shirts” have warned that replacing the government with an unelected leadership could cross a red line that triggers civil war.

So far, their reaction to the martial law declaration has been muted, and they have not branded it a coup attempt.

But any clear move by the military to forcibly change the current government could light a match to a political powder keg that is already primed to explode.

08:00 GMT – Here is a summary of events so far today:

— Thailand wakes up to martial law, military says it is necessary to protect law and order

— Soldiers move onto the streets of Bangkok, take over law enforcement from civilian bodies

— Military insists action is ‘not a coup’, but caretaker government says it was unaware of move

— Widespread media censorship is enforced prohibiting publication of anything “detrimental to national security”

— Multiple television networks are taken off the air

— Cautious response from international community with expressions of concern and calls for restraint

— Human rights groups more critical, HRW calls military action a “de facto coup”

— Thais in Bangkok largely unfazed by the news, life carries on with little disruption

— Both pro and anti government protester camps remain, though planned rallies are called off

07:59 GMT – What does martial law mean? – What is the scope of the military’s powers? And what are the implications of the move for a nation that has seen 18 actual or attempted coups since 1932? Below are the main points of the act giving the military power to declare martial law:

— The Martial Law Act 1914 gives the army “superior power” over civilian institutions in regard to maintaining public order and security.

— The army can ban any assembly or meeting and prohibit public movement by land, air or water.

— Military authorities have the power to censor or shut down newspapers and broadcasters.

— Soldiers are given full powers to search, requisition, ban, seize, inhabit or destroy “any place”. This includes body searches as well as vehicle, home and building inspections and scrutiny of printed material.

— Army authorities can enlist people to work to help the military and can requisition vehicles, food, tools and weapons from any person or company at any time.

— The military can impose curfews and prohibit access to certain areas.

— Authorities can detain anyone it suspects of breaching martial law for up to seven days.

— Civilian courts remain operational, but a martial court can be given authority to hear criminal trials in cases committed under martial law. It can continue to hear cases even after martial law has been revoked.

07:59 GMT – Cautious government response – Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan is urging the nation’s army to act within the “constitution”, in an official statement giving his first reaction to the military’s declaration of martial law.

“Any actions need to follow a peaceful path, without violence, discrimination and with equality based on the rule of law,” the statement, attributed to the premier, said. It adds that the military “must proceed under the constitution”.

07:38 GMT – Business as usual – AFP’s Aidan Jones has been out on the streets of Bangkok.

Small groups of armed soldiers, he writes, are stationed along main roads throughout the capital. But for most of the city it is business as usual.

While the presence of armed soldiers on the streets raises the stakes for a caretaker government whose authority appears fatally undermined, it does not appear to have ruffled many Thais.

Teenager Pongtawat Lanlerdphonboon told AFP martial law was an “issue for adults”.

“My parents told me to go about my life as normal,” the 17-year-old added as he travelled to school.

Several others who spoke to AFP were unaware of the decree by Tuesday afternoon even though it gives authorities sweeping powers — including the right to disperse protest groups, search and detain people, censor the media and enforce a curfew.

Bangkok has for several weeks seen unarmed troops stationed in dozens of sandbagged bunkers across the capital.

And demonstrators at different times have occupied major traffic junctions, a central park and the government headquarters in a noisy, colourful carnival of protest which has become a fixture in the city.

07:09 GMT – Further criticism – Human Rights Watch has added to the slowly growing chorus of condemnation among rights groups over the declaration of martial law.

“While there has been sporadic violence in recent months, nationwide martial law was not necessary to prevent further violence,” said Brad Adams, Director, Asia Division, Human Rights Watch. “The military has pulled a 100 year old law off the shelf that makes the civilian administration subordinate to the military, effectively rendering the executive, legislative and judicial branches powerless.”

“Censorship and shutting down of both anti-government and pro-government satellite TV channels and radio networks raises serious concerns that freedom of expression will be the first victim of de facto coup. Thailand’s friends in the world’s capitals should make it clear that they expect this de facto coup to be reversed immediately.”

He also criticised the legislation Thailand’s military is using to justify martial law.

“There are basically no brakes in this law — the authorities can prohibit any activity, censor the media, outlaw meetings and assemblies, search and seize any item, hold people without trial for up to 7 days, and even compel forced labor.”

06:52 GMT – Anger and spot searches – An AFP reporter at the site of the main Red Shirt protest says scores of armed soldiers ringed the vast site as protesters and stall holders began their rally for the day. Police and Red Shirt guards searched cars entering the area. One Red Shirt leant out off a car window and shouted at the soldiers. But there were no signs of violence.

06:48 GMT – Media censorship condemned – The military’s decision to roll out widepsread media censorship has been attacked by the International Federation of Journalists.

In a statement on their website the organisation wrote: “It is the vital role of the Thai media to disseminate information to the people during this tumultuous period.”

The statement added: “The military is not only crippling the democratic process in demanding silence from media outlets, they are restricting the ability of media outlets to report important updates about the continuing violence and unrest. In doing so they are risking the safety of the citizens they are supposed to protect, especially at a time when citizens are being warned to not spread information on social media”

06:46 GMT – EU ambassadors – Mark Kent, Britain’s ambassador to Thailand, has confirmed via Twitter (@KentBKK) that EU ambassadors held a meeting on the martial law declaration earlier today and will release a statement shortly.

“Commonality of analysis and purpose among European Union ambassadors in Bangkok. Expect an EU statement shortly,” he wrote.

Meanwhile Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt has added on Twitter (@carlbildt): “Thailand must resolve its political conflict by democratic means. We urge full respect for human rights also in today’s difficult situation.”

06:33 GMT – The Thai army has summoned provincial governors and state officials in Bangkok at 2pm (0700 GMT) and to three military headquarters across the nation, including in Shinawatra heartlands of the north and northeast.

Meanwhile an AFP reporter says armed troops are massing outside the Army Club to provide security for arrival of military Chief Chan-O-Cha

06:28 GMT – Dancing and cheers – AFP reporter Apilaporn Vechakij is currently at Government House — where anti-governement protesters have set up camp for several weeks — said jubliant protesters danced to Thai folk songs hailing the army’s move. But there was no immediate sign of a military presence near the seat of government.

72-year-old protester Jarunee Ngampradith told AFP: “I feel relieved. We do not have to be scared that the opposite side will harm us because we have soldiers to take care of us”.

06:23 GMT – The economic unknown – Our Tokyo bureau has filed on the nervousness with which many Japanese investors are greeting events in Thailand today.

Japan remains Thailand’s biggest investor and with one think-tank estimating that 4,000 Japanese firms operate in the kingdom — investments the Bank of Thailand said were worth $6.89 billion in 2013, or half of the total inward investment.

That figure is more than the next three biggest investors combined — the United States, Britain and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Car giant Honda said political instability was leading it to reconsider a second assembly plant it is hoping to go online in April 2015.

Spokesman Teruhiko Tatebe said: “We are watching the political situation in order to decide to go ahead with the plan (to start operations) or not. If the political situation improves, we may complete the factory and start production.”

And Toyota, the world’s biggest automaker, also said it was watching events carefully, but added all three of its plants were operating normally. “The morning shift started as per usual at all plants. A decision concerning the evening shift will be made based on the situation,” a spokesman said.

05:14 GMT – Thaksin reacts – Thailand’s ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a hugely controversial figure at the heart of the kingdom’s bitter political divide, has said that the imposition of martial law must not “destroy” democracy.

“The declaration of martial law is expected…. however I hope no party will violate human rights and further destroy democracy,” the billionaire tycoon-turned-politician, who was ousted in a coup in 2006, said on Twitter.

05:03 GMT – Selfies with soldiers – An AFPTV video has just landed showing soldiers milling about a busy Bangkok intersection. From the looks of it, the atmosphere is calm. The soldiers seem happy to pose for pictures while their colleagues play on mobile phones inside armour plated Humvees.

As with other footage and pictures we’ve seen coming out of Bangkok today, although the soldiers are carrying weapons, they don’t seem to be armed with live rounds. A heavy calibre machine gun on top of one of the jeeps at the intersection appears not to be attached to an ammunition box.

It’s likely the soldiers have access to ammunition nearby, but it’s an indication of their current soft touch approach to this particular incarnation of martial law.

04:27 GMT – Bhat slips slightly – Martial law has had some effect on the baht, but much like the many Bangkok inhabitants taking selfies next to soldiers the Thai currency appears to have largely shrugged off this morning’s events.

The dollar has made small gains against the Thai baht with the US unit changing hands at 32.51 baht in midday trading, after jumping as high as 32.65 baht earlier Tuesday. It bought 32.47 baht Monday afternoon.

However, market intervention by the Bank of Thailand may have clipped the baht’s fall.

The central bank likely sold dollars and liquidated long-dollar positions to help prop up the Thai unit, according to currency traders in Singapore.

04:16 GMT – US reaction – Our Washington bureau reports that the United States has said the Thai military’s declaration of martial law must be temporary and not undermine democracy.

The United States is concerned about the political crisis in Thailand and urges “all parties to respect democratic principles, including respect for freedom of speech,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.

“We understand the Royal Thai Army announced that this martial law declaration is not a coup. We expect the Army to honor its commitment to make this a temporary action to prevent violence, and to not undermine democratic institutions,” Psaki said.

“The United States firmly believes all parties must work together to resolve differences through dialogue and find a way forward. This development underscores the need for elections to determine the will of the Thai people,” she added.

03:47 GMT – TV networks – Some more information on the satellite TV networks that have been taken off air.

The channels ordered to stop broadcasting include three pro-government “Red Shirt” channels as well as the anti-government protesters’ main satellite channel Blue Sky TV — which has shown more than six months deadly protests round-the-clock and has been key in galvanising rallies.

Television screens went blank for several seconds before the order was delivered simultaneously on each channel — written on a sheet of paper and signed by army chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha.

The order was issued around an hour after Prayut declared the widespread censorship of the media in the interests of “national security”.

03:29 GMT – Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s biggest economy and a key partner of Thailand in the regional ASEAN bloc, has also expressed alarm by events in Thailand today.

“We have been deeply concerned… following the developments in Thailand,” Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa told AFP.

“Indonesia has consistently called for respect of constitutional process and democratic principles in order to promote national reconciliation and unity, reflecting the wishes of the Thai people.

“It is our hope that this latest development will not detract from such principles and normalcy can quickly be restored.”

Indonesia and Thailand are both leading players in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

03:22 GMT – General’s words – Here are some quotes from Thai army chief General Prayuth Chan-O-Cha during the statement he made this morning announcing martial law:

“There have been ill-intentioned people creating violence using war weapons against people and important places, causing the deaths and injuries of innocent people, and continuously damaging properties.”

“There has been tendency to riot and severely break peace and order in many places.”

“We announce martial law across the country from May 20, 2014, at 3 am. onwards.”

“I ask people not to panic, you can still perform your duties and go about your work as usual.”

“I ask every side to stop movements in order to enter the processes to sustainably and quickly solve the nation’s problem.”

03:15 GMT – Satellite stations off-air – We have some new information just in on the extent of the media restrictions that the army is rolling out. Broadcasts from several television channels, including those linked to the kingdom’s bitterly opposed political sides, have been suspended.

The channels were taken off the air “in order that people will get the correct information and not distort information to deepen the conflict,” according to a written order broadcast simultaneously on all television channels.

03:07 GMT – Support for soldiers – AFP’s Aidan Jones has just got back from the Ratchaprasong intersection, a busy crossroads that was the site of a bloody military crackdown on the Red Shirts back in 2010. Three soldiers have parked a machine gun mounted jeep on the pavement next to the intersection while several others wait nearby in another vehicle.

The atmosphere, he said, was calm. Passers by took pictures of themselves with soldiers whilst one man on a motorbike passed shouting “Su! Su!” (fight, fight) — an exclamation of support.

03:02 GMT – Military ‘good for the economy’ – With Thailand’s usually robust economy shrinking by 0.6 percent in the first quarter, some will welcome this morning’s military action, an analyst has said.

The imposition of martial law in Thailand is not necessarily negative for the country’s sovereign rating and could even help break a political deadlock, Andrew Colquhoun, head of Asia Pacific sovereign ratings at Fitch Ratings said.

“The key factors for the ratings are whether Thailand can avert more serious and bloody political disorder, and whether we see a return to a fully functioning government that is able to make policy and pass a budget for the next fiscal year starting in October,” he said.

02:48 GMT – To coup or not to coup? – Our reporters have been speaking to Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Associate Professor at the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, on the ramifications of the military’s actions.

He believes martial law is simply one step towards an inevitable full-blown coup.

“I think what we are looking at is a prelude to a coup,” he said. “It is all part of a plot to create a situation of ungovernability to legitimise this move by the army. I would not be surprised if the next step is a military coup or the military taking charge with the advice of the senate and leading to the appointment of a new prime minister. But certainly the military is trying to take power from the government.”

He added that while the pro-government Red Shirt movement might tolerate martial law, they would likely try to combat attempts by the military to launch a full coup.

“Martial law in some sense can be seen as an acceptable step to keep order, but if it crosses into a coup, the red shirts won’t remain silent,” he said. “But some will be willing to make lots of sacrifices and there could possibly be violent clashes with security forces as we saw in 2010. You can never underestimate the red shirts, anything can happen.”

02:32 GMT – First bit of international reaction to events in Thailand and Japan is not happy.

“We have grave concerns about the situation in Thailand,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters in Tokyo. “We once again strongly urge all parties concerned to act in a self-restrained manner without using violence.”

02:26 GMT – Protest but don’t march – In a recent statement broadcast on national TV, Thailand’s army have announced: “All protesters from every group must remain peaceful and stay at their rally sites”

The anti-government protest movement said it had called off a march that had been planned for today.

“We have decided to suspend our activities today — only today — but people who want to join our rally can come and join us,” senior protest leader Sathit Wongnongtoey said on the movement’s own Blue Sky television station. “We’re convinced that invoking martial law will benefit our movement and support our goal.”

At a Red Shirt rally in Bangkok, one AFP reporter saw dozens of soldiers present, army vehicles and a single checkpoint.

02:19 GMT – Media muzzled – News just in. Thailand’s army chief has approved media censorship. The muzzling of the press is in the interests of “national security” according to a signed statement delivered on every television station.

The army “prohibits all media outlets from reporting or distribution of any news or still photographs detrimental to national security,” said the statement by General Prayut Chan-O-Cha which was broadcast on every channel.

02:15 GMT – Early warning – Only last week Thailand’s generals were warning they might feel compelled to intervene if the ongoing unrest besetting the kingdom continued.

On 15 May, shortly after three people were killed in a grenade and gun attack on protesters in Bangkok, General Prayut Chan-O-Cha made an official statement raising the prospect of intervention.

“I want to warn every group — especially those who use violence and war weapons against innocent civilians — to stop now because if the violence continues the military may be needed to come out… to restore peace and order,” he said.

The timing of today’s martial law announcement, however, comes after five days with no reported outbreaks of political violence.

In the last six months 28 people have been killed, with hundreds of others wounded, in attacks mostly targeting opposition protesters.

01:50 GMT – View from the streets – Our reporters have been testing the mood of ordinary Thais.

Chitra Hiranrat, a 49-year-old woman who was waiting for a motorcycle taxi to go to work was unnerved by the arrival once more of soldiers on Bangkok’s streets.

“It’s chaotic”, she said. “I don’t know what the future holds. “Whether it (martial law) is good or not, I cannot answer because it is only the first day. Let’s wait and see”.

A man working for a state enterprise who asked not to be named was more sanguine.

“It’s good, it means there will be peace eventually,” he said. “Thailand deserves this (martial law). Thailand should not have so much freedom otherwise we will argue till we die.”

01:37 GMT – A series of shots have just been filed by our photographer Christophe Archambault showing Thai soldiers standing guard outside the Government Public Relations Department. The soldiers are kitted out in camo and helmets and while they are carrying semi-automatic rifles, their guns are not currently loaded with ammo magazines.

01:19 GMT – Teflon economy faltering – The ongoing political turmoil is starting to drag on Thailand’s economy, which shrunk 0.6 percent year on year in January-March.

The contraction is the first since the last three months of 2011, when the country was hit by massive flooding.

The kingdom had enjoyed a reputation as “Teflon Thailand” for its enviable record of economic resilience in the face of the last eight years of political upheaval as well as devastating floods in 2011.

But Fitch Ratings has warned that its “‘BBB+” sovereign credit rating could be clipped if the political deadlock continues through the second half of this year.

00:43 GMT – Protesters ‘surrounded’ – News just in. Soldiers have encircled a pro-government “Red Shirts” protest in Thailand’s capital. “We have been surrounded by troops on all sides,” rally leader Jatuporn Prompan told AFP.

According to Paradorn Pattanatabut, chief security adviser to Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, the military is trying to convince the Red Shirts to end their gathering in the capital

“The military is negotiating with the Red Shirts to disperse,” he said.

It remains to be seen whether the miltary are doing the same for anti-government protest camps.

00:24 GMT – Wait and see – The government’s “Red Shirt” supporters are clearly waiting for the dust to settle before deciding whether or not the military’s move this morning amounts to a coup, something they have previously said they would not accept.

They have in fact given a cautious initial reaction to the news, saying that they would wait to listen to a full announcement by the army chief.

“With the declaration of martial law the government still exists and the constitutional laws still exist so basically it is not against our anti-coup stance,” senior Red Shirts leader told AFP.

00:20 GMT – Military meddling – Thailand’s generals have a long history of involving themselves in the country’s often chaotic political landscape. The military has staged 18 successful or attempted coups since 1932.

Under the country’s constitution, the military has the right to declare martial law — which gives the military control of nationwide security — if urgently needed. But the move risks angering supporters of the government if it is seen as tantamount to a coup.

The army previously declared martial law in September 2006 following a bloodless military coup that ousted Yingluck’s elder brother Thaksin Shinawatra as prime minister.

The kingdom has suffered years of political turmoil since his overthrow, which angered supporters of the billionaire tycoon-turned-populist politician.

Supporters of the government have warned that they will not accept another move by the generals to seize outright power.

00:17 GMT – ‘Not consulted’ – Thailand’s caretaker government has said it was not consulted in advance about the imposition of martial law. Paradorn Pattanatabut, chief security adviser to Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, said: “The caretaker government still exists with Niwattumrong as caretaker prime minister. Everything is normal except the military is responsible for all national security issues.”

00:01 GMT – Soldiers on the streets – WELCOME TO AFP’S LIVE REPORT on the sudden declaration of martial law in Thailand, a nation gripped by months of anti-government protests that have left 28 people dead and hundreds wounded.

As dawn broke over the troubled kingdom, an announcement was broadcast on military-run television saying martial law had been invoked “to restore peace and order for people from all sides”, stressing that the move “is not a coup”.

“The public do not need to panic but can still live their lives as normal,” the announcement added.

00:00 GMT – The dismissal of prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra earlier this month in a controversial court ruling has sent tensions soaring in the kingdom, which has endured years of political turmoil.

Her “Red Shirt” supporters have warned of the threat of civil war if power is handed to an unelected leader, as demanded by the anti-government protesters who have paralysed the country for much of the last six months.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Share post:

Subscribe

Popular

More like this
Related

Elections 2024: Legal Cases Against Donald Trump And How It Can Impact His Chances For Presidency

Former President Trump was indicted with charges of overturning the 2020 Presidential election and was indicted on Felony charges and also the violence of January 6 2021 in Washington D.C.

About 80,000 Leaders, Workers From Different Parties Join BJP Ahead Of Lok Sabha Elections

New Delhi: Ahead of the upcoming general elections 2024,...

Arvind Kejriwal’s ED Custody Extended Till April 1

New Delhi: The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi extended...

Fact Check: Mohan Bhagwat-Led RSS NOT Supporting INDIA Bloc

A video alleging that the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh...