Military coup in Thailand

[Miulang]

Early this morning, while the Prime Minister of Thailand was in NYC attending the opening session of the UN General Assembly, generals sympathetic to the Thai monarch declared that they had taken over the government by coup d'etat. They declared martial law, and for now, at least, Bangkok seems peaceful.

Anyone planning to travel to Thailand over the next few weeks should go to the US State Dept. website for travel information about the political conditions in the country.

Miulang

[glossyp]

Re: Military coup in Thailand

This is just bizarre. The current PM is already on his way out due to corruption - which is hardly anything new in Thailand. We are not getting a true picture of what the motivation behind this military coup is yet. Terrible news for this lovely country.

[Leo Lakio]

Re: Military coup in Thailand

A co-worker just flew out to Bangkok early this morning; he is moving there in October. If he makes it there at all, and reports back to us with anything that I think Ht-ers would find interesting, I'll post. (I have a strange feeling he'll just be stuck at Narita Airport for a while instead.)

[1stwahine]

Re: Military coup in Thailand

I was watching CNN News. They had an Election which was said to be tainted. The King asked to have another Election which was to be in November. I guess the disenchanted couldn't wait. The King has not come forward to make a speech or declaration. Thailand loves their King.

Such a beautiful and enchanting Country...now gripped with it's own corruption for Power and Greed.

Wat's New?

Auntie Lynn

[Leo Lakio]

Re: Military coup in Thailand

The (just-deposed) PM held an election not long ago, due to no confidence in his government; his party won handily - because the opposition boycotted the election. He said he would step down as PM soon, but would remain leader of his party. The military has been divided over the whole thing, as many of its top brass are relatives of the PM. Rural communities supported the PM, as his populist policies benefited them, but he's also been tied up in a number of corruption scandals recently.

It's been, what, 15 years since there was a military coup in Thailand, a much more common occurrence in the past? As noted before, the King is beloved, even though he has little real power - but he's been photographed with the general leading the coup, implying support; a general who was fired by the PM not long ago.

Where's my scoresheet?

[Miulang]

Re: Military coup in Thailand

Here's the latest news out of Bangkok. Apparently the city is quiet and under martial law, most of the members of the caretaker government that was overthrown either were out of the country or left the country just prior to the announcement of the coup (including the wife of the Prime Minister, who fled to Shanghai with her son). The deposed caretaker Prime Minister is said to still be holed up in a hotel room in NYC, still claiming that he and his party are in control of the government.

The last time there was a coup in Thailand in 1992, the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, had a hand in keeping the country orderly during the parlimentary transition, and the leaders of the current coup are thought to be sympathetic to Bhumipol.

Miulang

[Miulang]

Coup leader says democracy to return next year

The fascinating thing about Thailand and the coups it's had in recent years is that when the military has overthrown a government, they have never wanted to stay in power for long. Apparently the US State Dept. has confidence that this coup will not lead to conditions which would threaten Americans travelling to or living in Thailand, as they have not yet placed Thailand on their travel warning list.

The current coup leader, Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin, wants to redraft the Thai Constitution before the junta relinquishes military rule, with elections being planned for October, 2007.

At his afternoon news conference in Bangkok, General Sondhi said he had "no trouble" with Mr. Thaksin coming back to Thailand, but also warned that the former prime minister could face legal action.

The coup thrust Thailand, a country that is host to more than 11 million tourists a year and has an open, thriving economy, into further uncertainty. For seven tumultuous months before the coup, a political battle raged between supporters and detractors of Mr. Thaksin, a billionaire telecommunications tycoon-turned-politician whose policies divided the nation.

Three international automakers with major plants here - Toyota, Nissan and Honda - all shut down production today, a blow, though perhaps only temporary, to a country that in recent years has become one of the world's top 10 car exporters. The Thai currency, the baht, also dipped against the dollar.

Banks, government offices, the stock market, schools and some businesses were closed today after the coup leaders declared a national holiday. Traffic was relatively light in Bangkok and soldiers were stationed at some intersections. Tanks, which moved to positions outside the prime minister's office Tuesday night, were still stationed there this morning.

Miulang

[i-hungry]

Re: Military coup in Thailand

(including the wife of the Prime Minister, who fled to Shanghai with her son).

I thought the wife fled to Singapore.

It doesn't seem like there's any complaints from Thai people, at home or abroad. Surprised maybe but nobody seems against the coup.

Thaksin was a bit heavyhanded on the conflict in the south.

At this point, the coup is bloodless and peaceful.

[Miulang]

Re: Military coup in Thailand

I thought the wife fled to Singapore.

It doesn't seem like there's any complaints from Thai people, at home or abroad. Surprised maybe but nobody seems against the coup.

Thaksin was a bit heavyhanded on the conflict in the south.

At this point, the coup is bloodless and peaceful.

Yes, she did flee to Singapore not Shanghai. Apparently Thaksin has an apartment in London where he is in exile. The junta leader said the deposed Prime Minister could return to Thailand, but there was no guarantee that he would not be thrown in jail.

Amazing how the US government has been so remarkably quiet about the whole thing. The deposed Prime Minister was regarded by the Bush White House as a golden boy (because of his corporate views). Here's an interesting article in the London Times about the general who engineered the coup.

Miulang

[Leo Lakio]

Re: Military coup in Thailand

Amazing how the US government has been so remarkably quiet about the whole thing.

Not too quiet, however...

The Bush administration on Wednesday denounced the military coup that seized control of Thailand and hinted that U.S. aid, military cooperation and improved trade relations might be in jeopardy. "There is no justification for it," said State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey, adding, "It is a step backward for democracy."

[Miulang]

Re: Military coup in Thailand

They move FAST in Thailand! A new interim Prime Minister was nominated today. Chatumongol Sonakul, a former central bank governor was picked to lead the new government that will be tasked with drafting a new Constitution. With his extensive financial experience, Mr. Sonakul was perceived to be the best candidate to restore investment confidence in the Thai government.

Mr. Sonakul was not without his critics. Chalit Phasuk, vice president of the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM), thought a lawyer would be better suited for the role, since one of the main tasks for the provisional government was to draw up a new Constitution.

However, the general in charge of the coup has already started removing troops and tanks from Bangkok, so it appears that a possible crisis has been averted, which should make the White House pleased and keep the money coming to Thailand.

Miulang