Thailand September 20, 2006 00:38 GMT
Thailand Remains Under Martial Law; Public Holiday Declared
Thailand's army leadership has declared a public holiday in
Thailand today as the country remains under martial law. All banks,
schools, government offices, the stock exchange and private offices
will be closed for business for at least one day.
As of 1600 local time, Bangkok continued to be quiet although there
has been a noticeable decline in commuter traffic. There have been
no reports of violence so far.
The Bangkok international airport and regional airports remain
fully operational and foreigners with scheduled flights out of the
country have proceeded with their departures without government
intervention.
The so-called Council of Administrative Reform, primarily composed
of top military generals who staged a military coup on the evening
of 19 September, now controls government and private media, which
have all stopped regular programming and are airing patriotic
programs.
Thailand remains under martial law, which effectively gives the
military broad powers to maintain law and order and implement
extraordinary security measures to prevent civil unrest or
violence.
At this stage, it is unclear if Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
has conceded to the Council. There have been reports that he may
return to Bangkok from New York, however, these reports have not
been confirmed.
The Council has directed government ministers, universities heads,
heads of state agencies, and other civil servants to report to the
Council on 21 September.
On Tuesday evening, the Council, through army chief Lieutenant
General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, declared martial law, suspended
parliament and revoked the constitution. The Council also announced
that it has taken control of Bangkok and prohibited unauthorized
military troops movement.
A few hours before the announcement, tanks and troops massed at the
Government House, the complex where the prime minister's office is
located, indicating an apparent military coup attempt.
In reaction to the coup attempt, Shinawatra declared a state of
emergency and ordered against all troop movement around the
country. Shinawatra is currently in New York and was due to deliver
a speech at the United Nations when the coup attempt occurred.
SOS Comment
The latest measures announced by the Council appear to be
preventive measures against any backlash from Shinawatra's
supporters in politics and the armed services. These appear to be
measures to ensure that law and order is maintained.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been confronting speculation
of a possible coup since protest actions against him commenced in
January 2006. There has been widespread speculation that Thailand's
conservative military establish may intervene to end the country's
continuing political crisis. The likely aim of the military faction
that has declared martial law is to remove Shinawatra from office
and ensure a smooth transition of power. It is likely to
temporarily hand in power to Thailand's revered king until a new
prime minister is elected.
The current situation in Thailand is assessed to be an internal
issue and does not pose a direct threat to the security of
foreigners in Bangkok at this time. Previous military coups in
Thailand, while violent, did not adversely affect foreigners in
country. Extraordinary security measures in Bangkok and other major
cities are unlikely to focus on foreigners, although they may lead
to travel delays.
However, confrontations between pro- and anti-Shinawatra groups
cannot be ruled and may spark incidents of violence. These
confrontations may also occur in areas outside Bangkok. In the last
few months, Shinawatra installed a number of close associated to
key positions in the military and police and these elements may
attempt to defend him by all means. Groups with political
interests, including those operating in southern Thailand, may also
exploit the unpredictable political situation to further
destabilize the government. Violence is unlikely to target
foreigners, however, foreigners face the risk of being caught in
violent incidents.
The situation in Bangkok in the next 12 to 24 hours is likely to
remain quiet although it will remain politically tense. The martial
law declaration is likely to mitigate against the risk from protest
actions by supporters of Shinawatra in the next 12 hours. However,
the situation may change if the prime minister returns to Bangkok
as this may trigger protest actions by his supporters.
Travel Advice
All immediate travel to Thailand should be postponed for the next
24 hours or until the situation fully stabilizes.
International SOS Members currently in Thailand are advised to
stand fast in secure locations until a more thorough assessment of
the situation is made. Avoid local movement unless they are
absolutely essential in the next 12 to 24 hours.
International SOS Members seeking further advice or assistance
should contact the 24-hour Region Security Center in Singapore on
(65) 63387800.
sOo means those gg thailand cannot go liao lor??
