Thailand's Army Chief Announces Military Coup

Thailand's army chief has announced his armed forces are taking control of the government after months of deadly clashes.

General Prayut Chan-O-Cha said on live TV: "In order for the country to return to normal quickly the National Peace Keeping Committee comprised of the army, the Thai armed forces, the Royal Air Force and the police need to seize power as of May 22 at 4.30 pm."

He added: "All Thais must remain calm and government officials must work as normal."

The National Peace Keeping Committee that imposed martial law on Tuesday will now take full control of the country to prevent the conflict escalating, he said.

Troops pictured on the streets of Thailand on Thursday

The military coup - the country's 19th since the fall of absolute monarchy in 1932 - follows two days of meetings between rival political leaders that failed to break the deadlock.

Politicians at the talks, held at a heavily-guarded military HQ in the capital Bangkok, were seen being taken away by soldiers.

It was unclear whether they had been formally detained.

Acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan - who replaced Yingluck Shinawatra after she was removed from office by the Thai Supreme Court earlier this year - did not attend because he was busy, according to a government official.

Thai soldiers have set up checkpoints in the country

After martial law was introduced, armed troops were sent on to the streets and shut down TV stations, raising concerns about democracy in Thailand.

Social media and other websites were told not to distribute "provocative" material or criticism of the military.

General Prayut Chan-O-Cha said his forces would "provide protection" for foreigners in Thailand, which is visited by around one million Britons a year.

British ambassador to Thailand Mark Kent said: "British citizens should exercise extreme caution and follow travel advice and media updates."

The coup is Thailand's 19th since the fall of absolute monarchy in 1932

On Wednesday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement urging "full respect for democratic principles and engagement in democratic processes", while the European Union called for "a clear timetable" for a snap election.

Red Shirt supporters of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was toppled in a coup, and his sister Yingluck, have been on the streets since November last year.

Facing off against them have been former anti-government protesters demanding political reforms ahead of elections which had been scheduled for later this year. 

More follows...

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

Thailand's Army Chief Announces Military Coup

Dengan url

http://stopinarkoba.blogspot.com/2014/05/thailands-army-chief-announces-military.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

Thailand's Army Chief Announces Military Coup

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

Thailand's Army Chief Announces Military Coup

sebagai sumbernya