Thailand army declares martial law

By admin-s On May 20, 2014

(BBC) – The Thai army says that it is imposing martial law amid a political crisis “to preserve law and order”.

The surprise announcement also granted the army wide-ranging powers to enforce its decision.

The military insisted that its assumption of responsibility for national security was not a coup.

Martial law comes after a long-running political crisis, and months of escalating tensions between the government and the opposition.

The chief security advisor to the interim prime minister said the government had not been consulted about the army’s decision.

Thai soldiers arrive for security as pro-government supporters arrive outside the gate of the National Anti-Corruption Commission office in Bangkok (February 2014)

The military said it was taking the dramatic step in the interests of law and order.

The move came after six months of anti-government demonstrations aimed at ousting the government

Pro-government red shirt supporters react to a speech during a large rally on the outskirts of the Thai capital

Red shirt supporters of deposed Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra have warned of the threat of civil war if power is handed to an unelected leader, as demanded by the opposition

Thai soldiers stand in front of the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand television station in Bangkok

The BBC’s Jonathan Head in Bangkok says that the sight of troops on the streets is now likely to be much more commonplace

Thailand’s troubles

Sep 2006: Army ousts Thaksin Shinawatra
Dec 2007: Pro-Thaksin party wins election
Aug 2008: Thaksin flees Thailand
Dec 2008: Huge anti-Thaksin protests; court bans ruling party; Abhisit Vejjajiva comes to power
Mar-May 2010: Huge pro-Thaksin protests; more than 90 killed over 10-week period
Jul 2011: Yingluck Shinawatra elected PM
Nov 2013: Anti-government protests
Feb 2014: Snap election held, but protesters disrupt polls; court rules polls invalid
May 2014: PM ordered to step down

“Everything is normal except the military is responsible for all national security issues,” said Paradorn Pattanatabut.

An army spokesman said that the imposition of martial law will have no impact on the caretaker government which remains in office.

The BBC’s Jonathan Head in Bangkok says that the army’s move – which it says is to stop “ill-intentioned groups from using war weapons” – has come as a surprise.

Our correspondent says that the army has made it clear that it is in charge of security and the site of troops on the streets is now likely to be much more commonplace.

Troops have taken steps to stop pro-government red-shirt supporters from gathering at their usual rallying-place outside Bangkok.

The Thai military last took power in 2006.

‘No need to panic’

Earlier this month a court ordered Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and several cabinet ministers to step down.

Pedestrians stroll past armed Thai soldiers guarding outside the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (20 May 2014)

The army has staged at least 11 coups since the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932

Soldiers have taken over television stations.

An announcement on military-run television said that martial law had been imposed “to restore peace and order for people from all sides”.

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

Thailand is mired in political mayhem, with the opposition demanding that power be handed over to an unelected administration charged with rewriting the constitution.

The military statement was signed by army chief Prayuth Chan-Ocha, citing a 1914 law that allows it to intervene during times of crisis.

It said that the move had been taken because mass rallies between political rivals “could impact the country’s security and safety of the lives and properties of the public”.

On Monday acting Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan insisted his government would not resign, resisting pressure from anti-government protesters.