Thailand's army declares martial law

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's army has declared martial law in a surprise announcement in Bangkok.

It was not immediately clear whether a coup d'etat was underway.

The move comes after six months of anti-government demonstrations aimed at ousting the government.

Thailand's army declares martial law

Just breaking on yahoo's website.
Busy world nowdays.

The article mentions the Thai army staging 11 coups.Even dozen?And with reports of Chinese troops on their way to Vietnam?Coincidence?

originally posted by: TDawg61
The article mentions the Thai army staging 11 coups.Even dozen?And with reports of Chinese troops on their way to Vietnam?Coincidence?

Chinese troops headed to vietnam? Where did you hear that at?

here you go www.abovetopsecret.com... a reply to: Ancient Champion

My memory might be off, but didn't they just have a coup? It seems like I read about one not too long ago. < scratches head >

Anyway, Thailand's practically an expert in them, I wouldn't be surprised if they do have a coup d'etat going on. A previous poster said this would make a dozen coups if so, so maybe the 12th try's the charm?

a reply to: Black_Fox

Thanks for this!! A buddy of mine was supposed to be flying there today ... and he would have been surprised had I not alerted him to the info you provided. You've just gotta love ATS and timely information.

Even the beauty queen is getting into it

She was only crowned Miss Universe Thailand on Saturday but Weluree "Fai" Ditsayabut has already become caught up in the political crisis engulfing her country, after comments were found on her Facebook page referring to pro-government demonstrators as "dirty," "evil activists" that should "all be executed."

Link CNN

It's another US False flag!!

The Chinese on the border with Vietnam, no, wait, the Coups are, no, wait, The Government of Thailand declaring Martial law are.

Ah, heck.


I'll just wait for the dust to settle and find out who's the bad guy and then blame the US.

Crazy stuff. What few people realize is that something like this could occur in the US, or another western, developed nation, as well. Whenever you have an armed military, especially if they are loyal to a particular commander, you have the potential for a coup. Not saying it is inevitable or anything, but that is a big part of the reason the right to bear arms was instituted in the rights of US citizens.

I mean let's think about it. If a coup was instituted, and a large portion of the military essentially has control, what the heck can anyone do about it? Democracy immediately goes out the window if those who seized power wish it to, in the blink of an eye so to speak. My point is that westerners feel their democratic republics are relatively safe and secure, when in fact they are quite unstable when you get right down to it. Or at least the potential for such instability is always present.

I used to think that members of the US military would never turn on their own people, but it has happened so many times around the world, and even in the US to a smaller degree with the police and whatnot, that I do not believe this is the case anymore. There will always be many willing to turn on others. Heck, just look at the Civil War, although that was a little different. This is why ancient Rome had a law that kept the military so far from the city itself. This would also give them time to, once they realized the army was en route to the city, to capture or kill the ringleaders before the proverbial cavalry arrived, thus potentially ending the coup before it could properly get underway.

a reply to: SLAYER69


Take a look at the Thai military hardware rolled out on the streets. Soldiers with Beretta 92 sidearms and M16's. AM General Humvees with M2 Brownings on top. Blackhawk helicopters. Patton Tanks. Bradley fighting vehicles.

I wonder where they got those?

a reply to: METACOMET

Saddam Hussein had Russian made Tanks, BMPS, Jets, Helicopters Scud missiles and launchers, AK47s, RPGs, boots, belt buckles and socks.

Yet, he was a 'US Puppet" eh?

If China keeps threatening their neighbors one could imagine even more arms sales, Would you blame them for arming themselves?

a reply to: SLAYER69

None of this is happening in a vacuum.

So just to be clear, it is your opinion that none of this has anything to do at all with US foreign policy? Overt or otherwise?

not aware of this.

What caused the protests?
Isn't Thailand a kingdom? where's the king of thailand? Isn't your majesty supposed to keep order, isn't his word stronger than the army's? (lol no)

I got some reading to do.
But if Russia is making a move in Ukraine,and China is going to make a move in Thailand then the pattern is clear.

originally posted by: SLAYER69
It's another US False flag!!



The Chinese on the border with Vietnam, no, wait, the Coups are, no, wait, The Government of Thailand declaring Martial law are.



Ah, heck.





I'll just wait for the dust to settle and find out who's the bad guy and then blame the US.

You're a seasoned Veteran of ATS for sure.

originally posted by: metodex
What caused the protests?
Isn't Thailand a kingdom? where's the king of thailand? Isn't your majesty supposed to keep order, isn't his word stronger than the army's? (lol no)

Exactly. There are strong laws to ensure reverence and respect is shown to the king and his nasty, affected family but the man is powerless and useless. If Thais has any sense they would break the laws and demand he do something like rally or comfort his nation at the very least.

a reply to: TDawg61
Chinese troop movements have nothing to do with what is happening in Thailand, Vietnam have their own problems and does not even border Thailand.

Please people will you stop putting 2 + 2 together and coming up with 67 because you are doing nothing to deny ignorance and just show that you have no knowledge! It's is better to say nothing if you have nothing to say!

Now, Thailand has been in a state of turmoil for a decade since the last Coup 10 years ago, when Thaksin Shinawatra was deposed and ran away into self imposed exile in Dubai (UAE) after he was found guilty by a criminal court and sentenced to two years in jail. Thaksin Shinawatra is a successful businessman turned politician who is corrupt (like most politicians). Also 2.2 Billion Baht (aprox. US$70 million +) of his fortune was frozen by the courts because of his corruption which he will stop at nothing to regain and some!

Thailand's people accept politicians are corrupt but it is the level of corruption that was sickening to the educated people in the country that now oppose Thaksin, who has won the last several elections, using de-facto parties he controls by employing many 'populist' policies.

He can be commended for introducing a state welfare system that gave much benefit to the poor. He also made government loans more available to the poor (even though they could not afford to repay the loans) to purchase anything they desired (new trucks, cars, TV's, etc.) as long as they purchased from government approved companies which (funnily enough) were all owned by Thaksin Shinawatra and his family. Good in the effect that he did help the poor but he put them in debt and he as the beneficiary whilst government coffers were emptied.

When his defacto parties were deposed he sent in his army of red shirts (poor people with no jobs) to occupy the centre of Bangkok and they were paid a low daily rate for doing so (out of his ill-gotten gains). These people are just pawns to him, he has also hired ex-military people from Thailand and Cambodia to attack his opposition on a regular basis, using lethal weapons like M79 grenade launchers and various other weaponary. When the red shirts occupied Bangkok's shopping district for almost a year, turning a beautiful local park into a dirty, fortress enforced encampment, the army tried to clear them out after they turned residents lives into nightmares for a long period, they tried to burn down part of Bangkok (succeeding with several buildings like the central world shopping mall - not a government building). They even entered hospitals and brutilised patients and staff alike. That is why the army was sent in to clear them, enough was enough! unfortunately, many died on both sides and many of the people/pawns probably never thought that they would lose their lives, but they were stupidly manipulated.

No not all the rural poor support Thaksin as his support stems mainly from the North (where he comes from) and the impoverished North East (Essarn) whilst the rural folk and farmers from central plains and South support the opposition Democrats.

Since then, Thaksin cronies have won another two elections and had his sister Yingluck (another pawn) installed as prime minister, a job she could not handle and ended many press conferences in tears. Recent policies and trying to pardon her brother have brought the country to it's knees, as so many people hate Thaksin that the opposition have taken to protest daily in Bangkok (usually peacefully, but Thaksin's army of red shirts have attacked quite regularly with grenades and their have been gunfights). Where were the Police in all of this? They support Thaksin because he was once a police officer, so they are always not around when the attacks happen or late to the scene.

These protests and attacks from both sides have destroyed the countries No. 1 income - tourism which has affected many livelihoods of course. Now, if that was not enough Thaksin's government introduced a policy to entice voters from rural areas by promising that they would pay them 40% above market price for their rice production (no matter the quality), which was the countries biggest export and No. 2 income stream. This was a ludicrous policy and very short sighted because it has resulted in a decline of the high standards and reputation of Thai rice, no buyers because it is now 40% above market price, so Vietnam, Philippine, Cambodian rice producers are now benefitting. The rice is being kept in huge stores and is now just rotting, whilst the government can no longer pay the farmers and several have committed suicides. Even the staunch Thaksin supporters, the farmers recently drove their tractors to rally in Bangkok in protest, at not getting paid and the government not keeping their promises.

Even Thai people are now eating imported rice because it is cheaper and better than the home grown product now, the Thai rice trade has been completely devastated!

Last week the courts finally removed Yingluck Shinawatra and several ministers from government office, violence is even more being threatened in revenge, the election commission is asking for July elections to be postponed and that is why the army has stepped in! Not a moment too soon either.

Whilst Thailand is not at the level of mature democracy like the UK, Australia, USA etc., (albeit that being a load of BS corporate brainwashing lies that the sheeple believe) the most stable and prosperous times in recent history has come under times after a Coup. The military usually appoint a representative government and prime minister who are civillians and it does seem to work!

Whilst democracy might be the ideal, if the majorities vote is purchased (as is definitely the case in Thailand) then that is not true democracy but one based upon corruption and greed!

I have lived in Thailand for 29 years since leaving the UK at 19 and in all those years, I have seen several Coups and many elections however, I have never seen the country so divided and all because of one very wealthy man who has more money than he can ever spend, why doesn't he just walk away?

originally posted by: SLAYER69
a reply to: METACOMET

Saddam Hussein had Russian made Tanks, BMPS, Jets, Helicopters Scud missiles and launchers, AK47s, RPGs, boots, belt buckles and socks.

Yet, he was a 'US Puppet" eh?

If China keeps threatening their neighbors one could imagine even more arms sales, Would you blame them for arming themselves?

Actually, US foreign policy has a lot to do with the situation as Thaksin Shinawatra is the 'Neo Cons' man in place, hired by The Carlyle Group follow the money!!!

While eating breakfast this morning the local Thai news morning show talked about the military finally moving in to establish order. Even though the Prime Minister and eleven of her cabinet were forced to resign there are still big problems between the pro government red shirts and the kick them out yellow shirts. There is a great fear that any new elections would be rigged.... So the military has finally made their move and in a few months (2 or 3 my guess) there will be a new monitored fair as can be election.. No electronic voting machines to mess with....

If anything the USA lost in this round if they were a player and there are certainly those who believe it so:

Thaksin Shinawatra and his political machine have dominated Thailand's political landscape for over a decade. Formally a Carlyle Group adviser and close family friends with the Bush family, Shinawatra would become prime minister in 2001. He immediately began making sweeping concessions regarding security and economics with his Western backers including the use of Thai troops to assist in the invasion and occupation of Iraq, the use of Thai territory for the US CIA's horrific rendition program, and the privatization and sell-off of Thailand's oil and natural gas to Western petroleum-conglomerates like Chevron and Hess.

By 2006, his attempts to remove Thailand's sociopolitical checks-and-balances, his systematic abuse of power, attempts to subvert Thai sovereignty on behalf of foreign interests, and increasing contention between him and Thailand's various national institutions, including the courts and military, led to a bloodless coup that finally ousted him from power. Following the coup, a year-long reformation of Thailand's political institutions would lay the groundwork to being uprooting Shinawatra's extensively dug-in political machine.

Following reforms, elections were held and as expected, Shinawatra's political machine found itself back in power. Two successive regimes led by Samak Sundaravej - Shinawatra's admitted proxy candidate - and Somchai Wongsawat - Shinawatra's brother-in-law - would likewise be ousted through a series of street demonstrations and court decisions. By 2008 Democrat Party candidate Abhisit Vejjajiva would become Thailand's prime minister and would face violent street protests organized by Shinawatra in both 2009 and 2010.

Like I said if anything the Big boys from the west lost this round...so far..

The Chinese will have their hands full with the Vietnamese if they want to play hard ball...

It is true the Kingdom of Thailand has a monarch and of all the Kings of this world he would be one of the few I would actually bow to... His is 87 or 88? and has been in hospital for the last two years.. He does make public appearances still but rarely..

April 9, 2014 (Tony Cartalucci - NEO) - The first step in subjugating a population is identifying their source of strength, undermining it, and eventually eliminating it. This textbook strategy employed by empires throughout human history is still busily being applied around the world as Wall Street and London seek to achieve global hegemony. In the past, it was done under the premise that the imposing empire was socially, economically, and militarily superior, and that by subjecting other nations, it was bringing them out of barbarism, and into civilization. Today, this brand of “civilization” includes the West’s “human rights” and “democracy” racket.

Thailand’s Source of Strength

Fiercely independent and nationalistic, and being the only nation in Southeast Asia to avoid European colonization, Thailand’s sovereignty has been protected for over 800 years by its revered monarchy. The current dynasty, the House of Chakri, has reigned nearly as long as America has existed as a nation and the current king is regarded as the equivalent of a living “Founding Father.” And just as it has for 800 years, the Thai Monarchy today provides the most provocative and meaningful answer to the threats facing the Kingdom – including economic ruination and poverty.

altthainews.blogspot.com... During a protest ( I like the Thais for when the corruption or lies get bad they do more than just complain) way back in 1976 (?) the protesters were at one end of the street and the military was at the other... The King walked out to the middle of the street when the tensions were running high and told everyone to go home for he would not have Thais Killing Thais..The date may be off but it happened.

May 7, 2014 (Tony Cartalucci - NEO) - Thailand's prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra was dismissed from her position along with several ministers from her cabinet by a Constitutional Court ruling regarding her transferring of key officials to pave way for her brother-in-law's promotion to National Police Chief. Thai PBS reported in their article, "Constitutional Court rules Yingluck and her cabinet guilty," that:
The Constitutional Court today unanimously ruled that caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was guilty in interfering in the reshuffling of senior government officials, of covering up of facts in the unusual and speedy transfer, falsifying [the] date in the transfer order to cover up facts, and aiding [a] relative to get [a] promotion to top police post which is a blatant interference of senior government reshuffle.
The court said the transfer of former national security chief Thawil Pliensri and the transfer of former national police chief Pol Gen Photo Phosri was merely to make the national police chief post vacant and is a joint effort of the caretaker prime minister to facilitate the appointment of her relative [brother-in-law] Pol Gen Pliewphan Damapong to the post which is a violation of the Constitution.

altthainews.blogspot.com...

It looks like the courts have not been bought and paid for because the rule of law still applies. (usually)

So in Bangkok the military has rolled out a little hardware to let both sides of this argument know they mean business.. Many of the protesters were paid to show up so now they will have to go back and work the farms or back to the family business. Either way I have been surprised that the military stayed out of this as long as they have... I think the straw that broke the line was:altthainews.blogspot.com...

May 15, 2014 (Tony Cartalucci - ATN) - In the early hours of Thursday morning, M79 grenades and small arms fire were directed at anti-regime protesters camped out at Bangkok's Democracy Monument. The attack resulted in 3 deaths and over 20 injured - some of them critically. It was the latest in a string of terrorist attacks carried out by regime militants, openly organized and used by the regime to menace its growing list of political opponents.
Confirming the regime's intent to deploy heavily armed terrorists in a bid to cling to power, TIME magazine on January 16 reported in their article, ""Bangkok Shutdown: Yingluck Supporters Prepare to Fight for Democracy," that (emphasis added):
As Thailand’s anti-government protests enter their fourth day, observers say prospects for violent confrontation are increasing, with reports of government supporters stockpiling weapons in case of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s ouster.

a reply to: 727Sky
Continued: I played golf this morning and returned home and after a quick shower ( I needed it for it is hot as hot can be this time of year) we went into town and saw some friends and did a little shopping.. We are in the north of Thailand about 6.5 hours by car north of Bangkok and there is no military presence on the streets... Bangkok is where the action is these last few months... Just another day in paradise for us. I personally hope everything settles down and fair elections will be held without outside interference or money.