At 4:30 PM local time on May 22, 2014, the Thai Army Chief declared a coup d’état—Thailand’s 13th successful coup since 1932—two days after he had imposed martial law nationwide. The move was unsurprising as military interventions in politics are not uncommon in the country. The Army was joined by the Navy, the Armed Forces, and the Police to comprise the “National Peace and Order Maintaining Council (NPOMC),” which is now the body that has absolute control over the country’s executive duties. The coup leader, Prayuth Chan-ocha, suspended the constitution and declared himself acting prime minister. The Senate, courts, and independent agencies, however, are left untouched and still functioning as allowed by the junta.
At the time this update was written, the junta was summoning 114 politicians, including ousted former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, and political activists from the rivalling parties to report to the military. It was later reported that the NPOMC has taken some of them, including Yingluck, to join some of the former caretaker cabinet members; pro-government protest leader, Mr. Jatuporn Prompan; anti-government protest leader, Mr. Suthep Thuagsuban; and head of the opposition party, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, who had been detained in military compounds since yesterday.
There has been no report of violence or resistance against the military. The general public has been acting calmly and following the 10 PM-5 AM curfew. Both pro- and anti-government rally sites were dismantled and the protestors were dispersed and sent home. Today the public carries on with everyday life, businesses and industries operate as usual, and government agencies continue with their normal duties.
It has been reported that Thai business leaders were not spooked by the coup and do not foresee the Thai economy being more affected than it already has been over the months-long standoff. Some business leaders even applauded the military action for breaking the prolonged impasse. The Governor of the Bank of Thailand spoke to the press and confirmed that Thailand still has strong fundamentals, adding that the coup may frighten investors only in the short-run. The financial market saw very little impact the day after the coup; the stock market closed lower by a moderate 1 percent. It is worth noting that after the 2006 coup d’état, the stock market closed at -1.42 percent, rebounding from the day’s lowest at -4.2 percent. The baht ironically appreciated 0.2 percent against the dollar, despite warnings from some analysts that the coup might spark a sell-off.
In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said that he was disappointed with the military’s decision to stage a coup and that the U.S. is “reviewing military and other assistance and engagements, consistent with U.S. law.” Some foreign countries like France and Germany took a harder-line, condemning the coup and demanding for a quick resumption of political process. The junta today invited foreign ambassadors, diplomatic officials, military attachés, and representatives from international organizations to a meeting at 4:00 PM local time. The junta is looking to correct understanding and maintain good relations with foreign counterparts. There have been reports after the meeting suggesting that the junta told the foreign diplomats that a reform council and a national assembly are in the pipeline to carry out political reforms.
Political debates are as vibrant as ever. Supporters and opponents of the coup are discussing whether or not the intervention will solve the country’s prolonged political divide or if it may throw Thailand off its democratic path. The answers are unknown, but at this point, it is clear that the majority of Thais are keeping calm and carrying on.
This is not our first, but is it our last? No reasonable person can answer that question.
Pavis Devahasadin is a consultant with APCO Worldwide and is based in Bangkok. APCO’s coverage of the political situation in Thailand continues on APCOForum.com.
Photo: gung.fu.master (cc).
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Another Coup, Finally
May 23, 2014
At 4:30 PM local time on May 22, 2014, the Thai Army Chief declared a coup d’état—Thailand’s 13th successful coup since 1932—two days after he had imposed martial law nationwide. The move was unsurprising as military interventions in politics are not uncommon in the country. The Army was joined by the Navy, the Armed Forces, and the Police to comprise the “National Peace and Order Maintaining Council (NPOMC),” which is now the body that has absolute control over the country’s executive duties. The coup leader, Prayuth Chan-ocha, suspended the constitution and declared himself acting prime minister. The Senate, courts, and independent agencies, however, are left untouched and still functioning as allowed by the junta.
At the time this update was written, the junta was summoning 114 politicians, including ousted former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, and political activists from the rivalling parties to report to the military. It was later reported that the NPOMC has taken some of them, including Yingluck, to join some of the former caretaker cabinet members; pro-government protest leader, Mr. Jatuporn Prompan; anti-government protest leader, Mr. Suthep Thuagsuban; and head of the opposition party, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, who had been detained in military compounds since yesterday.
There has been no report of violence or resistance against the military. The general public has been acting calmly and following the 10 PM-5 AM curfew. Both pro- and anti-government rally sites were dismantled and the protestors were dispersed and sent home. Today the public carries on with everyday life, businesses and industries operate as usual, and government agencies continue with their normal duties.
It has been reported that Thai business leaders were not spooked by the coup and do not foresee the Thai economy being more affected than it already has been over the months-long standoff. Some business leaders even applauded the military action for breaking the prolonged impasse. The Governor of the Bank of Thailand spoke to the press and confirmed that Thailand still has strong fundamentals, adding that the coup may frighten investors only in the short-run. The financial market saw very little impact the day after the coup; the stock market closed lower by a moderate 1 percent. It is worth noting that after the 2006 coup d’état, the stock market closed at -1.42 percent, rebounding from the day’s lowest at -4.2 percent. The baht ironically appreciated 0.2 percent against the dollar, despite warnings from some analysts that the coup might spark a sell-off.
In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said that he was disappointed with the military’s decision to stage a coup and that the U.S. is “reviewing military and other assistance and engagements, consistent with U.S. law.” Some foreign countries like France and Germany took a harder-line, condemning the coup and demanding for a quick resumption of political process. The junta today invited foreign ambassadors, diplomatic officials, military attachés, and representatives from international organizations to a meeting at 4:00 PM local time. The junta is looking to correct understanding and maintain good relations with foreign counterparts. There have been reports after the meeting suggesting that the junta told the foreign diplomats that a reform council and a national assembly are in the pipeline to carry out political reforms.
Political debates are as vibrant as ever. Supporters and opponents of the coup are discussing whether or not the intervention will solve the country’s prolonged political divide or if it may throw Thailand off its democratic path. The answers are unknown, but at this point, it is clear that the majority of Thais are keeping calm and carrying on.
This is not our first, but is it our last? No reasonable person can answer that question.
Pavis Devahasadin is a consultant with APCO Worldwide and is based in Bangkok. APCO’s coverage of the political situation in Thailand continues on APCOForum.com.
Photo: gung.fu.master (cc).
