Thailand army declares martial law

Amid political crisis in Thailand, the country’s army has imposed martial law “to preserve the law and order.”

13:37 20 May 2014

Following months of escalating tensions between Thai government and its opposition, the country’s army has declared martial law “to preserve the law and order.” Soldiers, who have denied that the surprise move is a coup, have taken over TV and radio stations, and blocked off roads in the capital, Bangkok. They have also moved into the main government building in the city. 

 

Army chief Prayuth Chan-Ocha said that unless rival parties find ways to resolve the on-going political crisis, martial law would remain in place. The military ordered protesters not to march anywhere to prevent clashes and ordered media censorship. 

 

The army declared the martial law on a military-run TV and stressed that public should not panic. Following the announcement, Thai stocks and its currency, baht, dropped on Tuesday. 

 

Chief security adviser Paradorn Pattanatabut said: "Everything is normal except the military is responsible for all national security issues.”

 

Meanwhile, acting Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan insisted that his government would not step down despite growing pressure from the opposition.