Despite all the reassurance from Thailand’s military that its recent presence on the streets is not an indication of a coup…they have just announced that its a coup. In the name of ending political turmoil, the military has recently detained prominent government officials and is for all intent and purposes direct controller over the country. Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, commander in chief of the Royal Thai Army, claims the move will allow the country to return to normalcy as quickly as possible. There are others though who believe that it will only increase the tension in Thailand.
The military takeover removed an elected government and will likely bolster the confidence of those who were opposed to the previous ruling party. The Thai military has stayed relatively quiet through all the turmoil, but has wasted no time suspending the country’s constitution. A curfew has been implemented and activity between the hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. are prohibited. Shortly after the take over military forces disrupted both pro and anti-government rallies, and detained some of the rallies’ leaders. No violence was reported and it is reasoned they were able to clear the demonstrations in an orderly manner.
Still, the U.S. has already issued a warning that they are reviewing possible military assistants to the country. Thailand has had a history of military coups. Since 1932 there have been 12 successful takeover and 7 that failed. Some analysts warn that the present situation could escalate into a civil war if it is not resolved quickly. John Kerry urged “the restoration of civilian government immediately, a return to democracy, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as press freedoms.” Maybe for once our Secretary of State knows what he’s talking about.
Photo: (Reuters)
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