News

Martial law declared in Thailand

20 May 2014 by Clement Huang

Thailand’s army has declared martial law amid the country’s political crisis.

The decision follows months of escalating tensions that resulted in the removal of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from office early this month after a court ruling. Martial law allows the army to exercise military power over the running of the country.

According to a report by the BBC, the chief security advisor of acting prime minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan has stated that “the government had not been consulted about the army’s decision.”

The caretaker government has so far resisted calls from the "Red Shirt" supporters of Yingluck Shinawatra for an election be held to decide the next government head of Thailand.  

In addition, the report also quotes an army spokesperson as saying that the imposition of martial law would not have an impact on the caretaker government. Rather, the military would simply be responsible for the national security of Thailand.

As of this time, news indicates that the military has taken over several television stations, and issued an announcement detailing the decision to impose martial law, as well as curb any fears or panic among the public. Traffic has been affected due to road closure and diversions, but otherwise, the country's citizens are told to carry on lives as normal.

For more information, visit www.tourismthailand.org

Clement Huang

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