Thailand’s turmoil has resulted in the declaration of martial law after opposing factions have battled in the streets and the Prime Minister was ousted by the courts. The media has reported that Bangkok seems calm and according to the BBC Army chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha said martial law would remain until “the country is safe and there is stability.”
The Thai military has attempted or succeeded in taking power at least eighteen times since the nation became a constitutional monarchy in 1932 and troops have occupied TV and radio stations obstensively to prevent any rabble-rousing from the two main political parties represented by the ‘red shirts’ and yellow shirts’.
Newspapers are also subject to censorship.
Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha vowed that the imposition of martial law is not a coup.
Thai soldiers are stationed at all important traffic intersections throughout the capitol and across the country.
Elections are scheduled for August 3.
The police are not in sight, since they are supporters of the Yingluck government and her brother Thaksin Shinawatra who had been a police officer before achieving great wealth as a businessman managing police investments.
This abrupt seizure of power will once more threaten the country’s balance of power as the revered king approaches the celebration of his 68th year of rule.
I lived in Pattaya through the 2006 coup.
It was business as usual.
Beer was cold and the lights went on and off.
I hope the same for the next two months as I am hoping to take a trip to visit my family in Thailand.
I miss them very much.