Army Chief announces a coup

[Guest Hereforme2]

At 5 PM Thai time the army announces it has taken over the government.

[TotallyOz]

http://www.voanews.com/content/crisis-talks-continue-in-thailand/1919959.html

[Guest Promsak]

And now (18:30) they have announced a curfew tonight from 22:00 till 05:00.

Proves me wrong in another thread!

[kokopelli]

Everything in Pattaya closing at 10 pm.  Hoards of traffic on road heading to their homes.

[Guest chicolby]

Im no pro on Thai matters but its my opinion that this was needed and will quickly get things back to normalcy better than if nothing was done.

 

Hopefully the curfew lasts a week or so then life resumes.

[Guest chicolby]

"Exceptions made for travelers and night shift workers" oh great. I want to be out late while the rest of the country is in.

[TotallyOz]

Reading the story on how the General decided to take over from the Bangkok Post reporters was interesting. During the negotiations between the 2 parties the General asked the Prime Minister and all cabinet members to resign. There were armed guards the prohibited either party from leaving. When the government leaders refused, the General said, 'then, from now on, I will take control of the government." All parties were whisked away under armed guard and the general and his men took control.

 

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/410724/army-declares-martial-law

[Up2u]

Reading the story on how the General decided to take over from the Bangkok Post reporters was interesting. During the negotiations between the 2 parties the General asked the Prime Minister and all cabinet members to resign. There were armed guards the prohibited either party from leaving. When the government leaders refused, the General said, 'then, from now on, I will take control of the government." All parties were whisked away under armed guard and the general and his men took control.http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/410724/army-declares-martial-law

This is what happens when you have an independent military that does not swear allegiance to the people,the people's government or the constitution. We know where their allegiance lies.

[Guest Promsak]

We know where their allegiance lies.

Do we? I don't!

Do tell.

[Guest shamahan]

Do we? I don't!

Do tell.

You apparently have a big mouth but know nothing about Thailand. Up2u, of course correct when it comes to the leadership of the Army and the first infantry division located in BKK. Do not forget, though that the rank -and-file of the Army are the very same Isaan boys. If the coup meets resistance the whole thing may fall as a house of cards. And keep in mind that things in Thailand are always moving  slow...and 2014 is not 2006. Far from it.

[Guest Promsak]

You apparently have a big mouth but know nothing about Thailand. Up2u, of course correct when it comes to the leadership of the Army and the first infantry division located in BKK. Do not forget, though that the rank -and-file of the Army are the very same Isaan boys. If the coup meets resistance the whole thing may fall as a house of cards. And keep in mind that things in Thailand are always moving  slow...and 2014 is not 2006. Far from it.

 

You apparently have a big mouth but know nothing about Thailand.

Well yes, guilty on both counts.

That's why I come here to learn things from the founts of all knowledge Thailand like yourselves.

Big mouth maybe but I'm not downright rude.

Now if you'll kindly answer my question --- who?

[Up2u]

His Majesty.

[Guest bigcherries]

I heard that many people actually wanted the army to do this.

[Bob]

We could spend hours (months?) debating how Thailand got to this pathetic point.  Regardless, I'd love to see the next elected leader at his/her first speech say the following:

 

"The military is very valuable and necessary to the country's defense and I will support the military in completing its proper mission.  Regardless of all that, the military needs to learn that it is subservient to the civilian government, takes its orders from the civilian government, and has no right whatsoever to operate within or without the borders of Thailand without the permission of the civilian government.  And I might add that any action in violation of the orders of its civilian commanders let alone a military coup overthowing any civilian government is what any sane government would clearly call it, namely:  treason."

[Bob]

 

Hmmm...please delete (not sure how I did this). 

[Up2u]

We could spend hours (months?) debating how Thailand got to this pathetic point.  Regardless, I'd love to see the next elected leader at his/her first speech say the following:

 

"The military is very valuable and necessary to the country's defense and I will support the military in completing its proper mission.  Regardless of all that, the military needs to learn that it is subservient to the civilian government, takes its orders from the civilian government, and has no right whatsoever to operate within or without the borders of Thailand without the permission of the civilian government.  And I might add that any action in violation of the orders of its civilian commanders let alone a military coup overthowing any civilian government is what any sane government would clearly call it, namely:  treason."

I agree with your post but this could have said during the previous (17?) coups. The fact is a civilian leader making a statement like that is contrary to the constitution and in itself treasonous. This speaks to the fact that the constitution needs to be rewritten. Unfortunately it will be now with the military calling the shots.