(Bangkok) After the army declared martial law the other day and told opposing political parties to work out a solution to the in-fighting that has beset Thailand for the past 6 months, it transpires that nothing happened. To that end today the Thai army under command of General Prayuth Chan-ocha took control of the country by declaring a coup.
The coup (the 19th in 82 years) was declared after rival political factions who have spent the past two days at Bangkok's Army Club where they have attempted to come to a compromise over the future of the country. When the caretaker justice minister, Chaikasem Nitisiri, was asked whether the government was ready to resign,
The coup (the 19th in 82 years) was declared after rival political factions who have spent the past two days at Bangkok's Army Club where they have attempted to come to a compromise over the future of the country. When the caretaker justice minister, Chaikasem Nitisiri, was asked whether the government was ready to resign,
"As of this minute, the government will not resign," Chaikasem answered,
"So, as of this minute, I decide to seize ruling power," Prayuth retorted.While acting prime minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha did not use the word "coup" in his televised announcement to the nation, he said the takeover was necessary "in order for the country to return to normality quickly and for society to love and be at peace again".
He added: "We ask the public not to panic and to carry on their lives normally."Still none the wiser? Here's a 3 minute video which should do just that... make you wiser.
