Army announces coup in tourist haven Thailand

In a sudden move, army on Thursday seized power in a coup in Thailand, pledging political reforms and restoring stability after nearly seven months of anti- government protests left the country deeply paralysed.

India has strongly advised its nationals in Thailand on Thursday to take ‘abundant precautions’ for their safety in view of the coup in the crisis-hit country. This may come as a blow to tourists who visit Thailand for quick summer gateways, sometimes for business, sometimes for pleasure. 

 

Making the announcement, army chief Gen Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who had declared martial law on Tuesday but denied it was a coup, in a televised statement said that the military takeover was necessary to prevent the conflict from escalating.

‘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 (local time),’ he said.

Gen Prayut asked all Thais to remain calm and said all government officials must work as normal.

The army sealed off the military facility where the second round of talks between political rivals were being held under the army chief, apparently to block those inside from leaving.

The surprise move came after rival factions failed to reach a compromise to end nearly seven months of political deadlock and turmoil.

The army chief assumed the role of a crisis mediator yesterday in a bid to end the prolonged crisis in the troubled South East Asian nation.The military - which has attempted 18 coups, including 11 successful ones, since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932 - acted after political violence claimed 28 lives and left hundreds wounded.

The military also declared a night-time curfew across the country.

‘Under martial law, the National Peace Keeping Committee prohibits anyone across the kingdom from leaving their home from 10 pm to 5 am,’ an army spokesman said in a televised announcement.

The military ordered all television and radio stations to suspend their usual programmes and show only the army’s broadcasts in the wake of the coup.