The army declared martial law in Thailand on Tuesday, after six months of political unrest. This move places the army in charge of public security. Although martial law may differ in the way that it is carried out from one country to another, the army usually takes care of all civil or criminal matters as well. Civil liberties may also be suspended, and the army may search citizens without probable cause. The declaration comes two weeks after Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was removed by the country’s constitutional court. The military denied a coup d’etat, but all of the actions taken by the military so far seem to indicate this sort of a government overthrow.
Implications of the Order
Troops broadcasted the declaration from television stations in Bankok, also making note that regular television programs and radio programs may be suspended if it were necessary. Despite the armed soldiers and tanks, the citizens do not seem to be in fear, with businesses and schools open as usual. The Thai people are no strangers to government overthrows, with the Thai army staging 11 coups since 1932.
An army official that asked to remain anonymous said of the situation: “this is definitely not a coup. This is only to provide safety to the people and the people can still carry on their lives as normal.” Despite such reassurances, many are concerned that the declaration of martial law is a power play by the military to take control of the country.