2006 Thai coup d'état

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The 2006 Thai coup d'état took place on Tuesday 19 September 2006, when the Royal Thai Army staged a coup d'état against the elected caretaker government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The coup d'état, which was Thailand's first non-constitutional change of government in fifteen years, followed a year-long political crisis involving Thaksin, his allies, and political opponents and occurred less than a month before nationwide House elections were scheduled to be held. It has been widely reported in Thailand and elsewhere that General Prem Tinsulanonda, Chairman of the Privy Council, was the mastermind of the coup. The military cancelled the upcoming elections, abrogated the constitution, dissolved parliament and constitutional court, banned protests and all political activities, suppressed and censored the media, declared martial law nationwide, and arrested cabinet members.

The new rulers, led by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin and organised as the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR), issued a declaration on 21 September setting out their reasons for taking power and giving a commitment to restore democratic government within one year.[1] However, the CDR also announced that after elections and the establishment of a democratic government, the council would be transformed into a Council of National Security (CNS) whose future role in Thai politics was not explained.[2] The CNS later drafted an interim charter and appointed retired General Surayud Chulanont as Premier. Martial law was lifted in 41 of Thailand's 76 provinces on 26 January 2007 but remained in place in another 35 provinces.[3] Elections were held on 23 December 2007, after a military-appointed tribunal outlawed the Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party of Thaksin Shinawatra and banned TRT executives from contesting in elections for five years.

Events

Earlier planning and rumours

Planning for the coup started about February 2006.[4][5][6] Rumors of unrest in the armed forces and possible takeover plots swirled for months leading to the event. In May 2006, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin issued assurances that the military would not seize power. On 20 July 2006, around a hundred middle-ranking army officers said to be supporters of Thaksin were reassigned by the army high command, fuelling rumors that the army was divided between supporters and opponents of the prime minister. In July 2006, 3rd Army Area Commander Saprang Kalayanamitr gave an interview in which he stated that Thai politics was below standard and that the kingdom's leadership was weak. He also claimed that Thailand had a false democracy.[7] The public was becoming alarmed with each fresh rumor. In August 2006, there were reports of tank movements near Bangkok, but the military attributed these to a scheduled exercise.[8] In early September, Thai police arrested five army officers, all members of Thailand's counter-insurgency command, after intercepting one of the officers with a bomb in a car allegedly targeting the prime minister's residence.[9] Three of the suspects were released after the coup.[10]

In December 2006, former National Security Council head Prasong Soonsiri claimed that he and five other senior military figures had been planning a coup as early as July. He claimed that Sonthi was one of those figures, but that Surayud and Prem were not involved at the time.[11]

Day one (Tuesday)

On the evening of 19 September 2006, the Thai military and police overthrew the elected government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. At the time, the premier was in New York City at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.

“ The armed forces commander and the national police commander have successfully taken over Bangkok and the surrounding area in order to maintain peace and order. There has been no struggle. We ask for the cooperation of the public and ask your pardon for the inconvenience. Thank you and good night.[14] ”
Central Bangkok showing sites named in this article or relevant to the events of September 2006

The junta, initially called the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM), later took the name of Council for Democratic Reform to rule out suspicions about the role of the monarchy.[15]

Foreign news channels, such as BBC World, CNN, CNBC, and Bloomberg Television, were reported to have been taken off air,[17] although foreign broadcasters were still able to broadcast from Bangkok. Telecommunications networks (telephone and the Internet) were operational.

The army declared martial law nationwide, ordered all soldiers to report to their barracks and banned troop movements unauthorised by the CDR.[18] Television footage showed heavily armed troops in M113 armored personnel carriers and M998 HMMWV vehicles on the streets of the city. Many soldiers and military vehicles wore strips of yellow cloth as a symbol of loyalty to the king, whose royal color is yellow.

Junta commander Sonthi Boonyaratglin confirmed that Deputy Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit and Defence Minister Thammarak Isaragura na Ayuthaya had been arrested.[19] High-ranked civil servants were ordered to report to the council while governmental offices and banks would be closed on 20 September.[20]

A few hours after news of the coup broke, BBC News reported that the leader of the coup would be meeting with the king later in the day, although it was unclear at that time what King Bhumibol's position on the coup was.

Day two (Wednesday)

Front page of the Bangkok Post, 20 September 2006
“ We have seized power. The constitution, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Cabinet and the Constitutional Court have all been dissolved. We agreed that the caretaker prime minister has caused an unprecedented rift in society, widespread corruption, nepotism, and interfered in independent agencies, crippling them so they cannot function. If the caretaker government is allowed to govern it will hurt the country. They have also repeatedly insulted the king. Thus the council needed to seize power to control the situation, to restore normalcy and to create unity as soon as possible. ”
Soldiers of the Royal Thai Army in the streets of Bangkok on the day after the coup.

Shortly after this announcement, Thai TV programmes resumed whilst cable TV partly resumed. However, main foreign news channels (CNN, BBC, CNBC, NHK and Bloomberg) remained blacked out.

The country's northern border with Laos and Myanmar was closed for a couple of days.[26]

In an interview given before leaving New York for London with Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai, spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee, and his personal assistant Padung Limcharoenrat, Thaksin Shinawatra said:

“ I didn't expect that this will happen. I came here as Prime Minister but left as an unemployed man. It's fine that no one gives me a job. I volunteered to work but they didn't want to give me job, so it's fine.[27] ”

Thaksin was escorted to his home in Kensington where he joined his daughter Pinthongta, who is studying in London.[28] A Foreign Office spokeswoman said that Thaksin's trip was a private visit.[29]

Late in the evening, a spokesman of the CDR announced that the king has issued a royal command to appoint Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin as the CDR president.[31]

Contradicting earlier announcements, the CDR issued a 13th statement maintaining the status of the newly selected Election Commission and adding that the EC ACT would organize the election of local administrations and councils.[32]

The Council for Democratic Reform then issued its seventh order dividing responsibilities into four divisions as part of responsibility sharing. The four divisions were the CDR, the secretariat, the advisory division, and the special affairs division.[33]

Day three (Thursday)

Armoured vehicles (M41 Walker Bulldog) parked inside the compound of the Headquarters of the 1st Army

The files and papers related to the investigation of the alleged[34] car bomb plot against Mr Thaksin (24 August 2006) vanished from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) Tuesday night around 21:30. Police loyal to deputy police chief Pol Gen Priewphan Damapong (brother of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's wife Khunying Potjaman) were also seen loading assault weapons from the CSD in vehicles that went off to an unknown destination.[35]

In the afternoon, Thailand's coup leader ordered media executives to army headquarters to tell them to stop carrying expression of public opinion following the military takeover. The move came after the military imposed strict controls on the media and said they would block information deemed harmful to the provisional military council now in control of Thailand. The army official said the normal television programming will be resumed but the council would begin making its own televised announcements every two hours starting from 11:00 am (04:00 GMT).[36]

RTA Troops and tanks began the process of reducing their presence at key government facilities. Four tanks remained at Government House early Thursday, down from 10 the previous day, and fewer armed soldiers are on guard. "As of now we have only two companies of troops — some 50 to 60 — deployed at Government House but total withdrawal is up to the army commander because there is not yet complete trust in the situation," Lieutenant Romklao Thuwatham.[37]

Thailand's coup leader ordered two more top aides, Newin Chidchob, the minister attached to the premier's office, and Yongyuth Tiyapairat, minister of natural resources and environment, to deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to report to the military, one day after detaining his senior deputy. "They must report themselves to the Council for Political Reform at Army Headquarters" at noon (05:00 GMT) Thursday, the order said, referring to the provisional body the coup leaders have set up.[38]

Ousted deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak arrived at the Don Mueang International Airport returning from France.[39]

The chartered Thai Airways jet that took ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to New York and later to London returned to the Don Mueang Military Airport after being diverted from Bangkok's commercial airport. On board the plane were some 20 members of the press corps and low-ranking officials who had travelled with him. Ten heavily armed commandos immediately surrounded the plane and conducted an inspection. All were released after their passports were stamped.[40]

Ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra called for new snap elections in his homeland and confirmed he is bowing out of politics, urging "national reconciliation" after the coup in Bangkok. In a statement issued in London, Thaksin said he will devote himself to development and possibly charity work.

“ We hope the new regime will quickly arrange a new general election and continue to uphold the principles of democracy for the future of all Thais.[41] ”

Timing of the coup

Columnist Thanong Khanthong of The Nation claimed that Gen. Sonthi acted to prevent an imminent military coup by Thaksin. The columnist contended that Thaksin intended to use the political rally planned by the People's Alliance for Democracy at the Royal Plaza on Wednesday 20 September to trigger violence and then declare a state of emergency and place the country under martial law. General Sonthi would have learned from an intelligence report that Yongyuth Tiyapairat and Newin Chidchob were planning to organise a counter protest with the support of the Forestry Police ("Hunter Soldiers" or Rangers) armed with HK33 rifles[42] and acted before the bloodshed was set to take place.[43] On Friday, the Rangers were in the process of being disarmed.[44] Both Newin and Yongyuth were later detained, the latter being accused of mobilizing the Forestry Police.[42][45] Coup-planner Prasong Soonsiri later denied that Thaksin planned his own coup.[11]

However, fellow The Nation columnist "Chang Noi" called Thanong Khanthong's claims "a myth" that had "achieved the status of 'fact'." Chang Noi noted the absolute lack of any corroborating evidence to support the claims of imminent violence as well as the lack of opposing troop movements on the night of the coup. Chang Noi called the myth a "salve" for people "surprised and a little ashamed to find themselves supporting a coup. This myth makes the coup reactive and defensive." He also noted that General Saprang Kalayanamitr, commander of the Third Army, claimed that planning for the coup had begun 7 months in advance, thus contradicting claims that the coup was executed as a reactive pre-emptive strike against violence[4] and Sonthi's who had said "hundreds of thousands" of pro- and anti-Thaksin supporters planned to descend on Bangkok.

General Sonthi later said in an interview that the coup was originally planned for 20 September, to coincide with a major anti-Thaksin rally also planned for that day. He cited the "Portuguese example" in which anti-government rallies coincided with a successful military rebellion which overthrew King Manuel II of Portugal and established the Portuguese First Republic. The coup was moved up to 19 September, when Thaksin was still in New York. Sonthi also stated that the coup was not an urgent measure mooted just a couple of days earlier. Sonthi also claimed that during a lunch that Thaksin had with the commanders of the armed forces, Thaksin had asked him "Will you stage a coup?" Sonthi replied: "I will."[46] This contradicted earlier public statements where he denied that the military would stage a coup.[47]

The Nation noted that the timing of the coup contains many instances of the number nine, a highly auspicious number in Thai numerology. The coup occurred at the 19th day of the 9th month of Buddhist Era 2549. Coup leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin made a major public announcement on the morning after the coup at 9.39 am.[48] The Nation earlier indicated 09:16 as the time for Sonthi's press conference[49] and the Buddhist calendar is in line with the Gregorian calendar only since 1941.

Coup financing

The junta was accused of paying Army officers 1.5 billion baht in order to participate in the coup. Junta leader Sonthi Boonyaratkalin stopped short of denying that the military spent money from a secret fund, saying "We certainly needed money for our people's food and other necessary expenses."[50][51]

Causes of the coup

Many causes of the coup were identified, both by the junta as well as by independent observers. Initial reasons stated by the junta were the Thaksin government's alleged creation of an "unprecedented rift in society", corruption, nepotism, interference in independent agencies, and insults to the King. Later reasons stated by junta leaders included Thaksin's alleged vote buying, plans to provoke violence, and weakening of the military.[52][53][54]

Two months after the coup, the junta issued a white paper identifying many reasons for the coup, including corruption, abuse of power, lack of integrity, interference in the checks and balances system, human rights violations, and destroying the unity of the people.[55]

Independent analysts identified widely differing reasons for the coup. Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University alleged that the coup was due to conflicts between Thaksin and King Bhumibol Adulyadej.[56] Biographer Paul Handley noted that "[the coup masterminds] did not want Thaksin in a position to exert influence on the passing of the Chakri Dynasty mantle to Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn."[57] Giles Ungpakorn of Chulalongkorn University claimed that the coup was due to class conflicts between the rural poor (who supported Thaksin) and the urban elite (who supported the junta).[58]

Photo-timeline of the coup, from dusk to dawn

The scene changed every hour as the coup progressed. Here is how it unfolded after the first tanks rolled in according to the observations of Manik Sethisuwan. Manik was one of a few citizens who was forced to spend the night on the street as his car had run out of gas. According to government laws as of September 2006, it was mandatory for all gas and petrol stations in the city to close-down from 22:00–05:00 as a cost-saving measure. Hence he was forced to seek refuge near the international press personnel until it was possible for him to move out, as a result of which he was able to capture most of the event as it unfolded.

Thailand's political situation

Thailand's deposed government

Outside Thailand

After the coup, Thaksin flew from New York to London, where his daughter was a student. He was later joined by his family. General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said earlier that ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra could return to the country, but warned he could face criminal charges. "Any prosecution would proceed under the law, and would depend on the evidence," Sonthi said.[59] However, Privy Councilor and interim Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont later warned against Thaksin's return, calling his return a "threat." "Myself and several other people understand that supporters and opponents will clash on the day that Thaksin returns home. It would be a big commotion," he said.[60][61]

Deputy Premier Surakiart Sathirathai was with Thaksin attending the UN General Assembly in New York when the military staged a coup on Tuesday against the prime minister. Surakiart was, at the time, in the hotly contested race to succeed UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, a Thai official said. "The (new) Thai authorities have reaffirmed their support for Dr Surakiart's candidature for the UNSG," Thai ambassador to the United States Virasakdi Futrakul told AFP. "There's no change. He's still in the race." The former deputy premier had left for Bangkok after the junta took power.[62]

Finance Minister Thanong Bidaya remained in Singapore where he was attending the annual meeting of the World Bank/IMF. Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak remained in Paris, but returned to Bangkok on Thursday.[63] Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon flew from Paris, where he was attending the Thai-France Cultural Exhibition presided over by Princess Sirindhorn, to Germany, before returning to Bangkok. Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan was reported to have fled to Paris with her family.[64] Thai Rak Thai party executive and former Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana left the country for Germany.[65]

Arrested or detained by the junta

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security Chitchai Wannasathit was arrested after the coup and detained at the army. He was detained on Wednesday and was held at a guesthouse on the northern outskirts of Bangkok, according to army spokesman Colonel Acar Tiproj.[66] Defence Minister Thammarak Isaragura na Ayuthaya is in hiding. His whereabouts are unknown. Former Secretary-General to the Premier Prommin Lertsuridej and Labor Ministry Permanent Secretary Somchai Wongsawat (who is Thaksin's brother-in-law) were also placed under arrest on the second floor of the army command building.[65] The Secretary-General was last reported being detained at the same guesthouse as the Deputy Chitchai Wannasathit.[66]

Natural Resources and Environmental Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat and Deputy Agriculture Minister Newin Chidchop were ordered to report to the junta by noon Thursday. The junta did not specify what punishment they would receive if they failed to report. At the time, there were reports that both Yongyuth and Newin were in London.[67] Troops raided Yongyuth's houses in Mae Chan District of Chiang Rai Province (at 10:35 Wednesday) and Bangkok (Wednesday night), but did not find him.[68] Both Yongyuth and Newin reported to army headquarters on Thursday, and were detained.[69][70]

Chidchai Wannasathit, Newin Chidchop, Yongyuth Tiyapairat, and Prommin Lertsuridet were freed after the interim charter was promulgated.[71] The status of Thammarak Isaragura na Ayuthaya was unknown.

In Thailand

Several party executives including Chaturon Chaisang, Phumtham Wechayachai and Suranand Vejjajiva were reported to still be in Thailand and not arrested by the junta. TRT MP Veera Musikapong was also at liberty. Party Deputy and Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and former Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook were reported to be staying in the country at an unidentified location.[72]

Civil servants, government agencies and family

The junta initiated the removal from the civil service of people appointed by the Thaksin government as well as his former classmates at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School. Several military officers were transferred to inactive posts. Also removed were 18 senior police officers which the junta claimed could pose a threat to national security if they were to remain in their current posts. For a list of transferred military and police officers, see Removal from the civil service by the CDR. In early February, Police Commissioner-General Kowit Wattana himself was ousted for investigating military involvement in the 2007 Bangkok bombings.

The purge was completed in the junta's mid-year military reshuffle of April 2007, when all senior officers perceived as loyal to the Thaksin government were removed and replaced with officers trusted by the new regime.[73][74]

The junta affirmed on 20 September that along with the abolition of the constitution, the constitutional court, and other independent organisations set up under the abrogated charter were automatically abolished. However, the status of Auditor-General Jaruvan Maintaka was maintained by an order of the junta. The same order dissolved the State Audit Commission. She appeared when summoned along with senior government officials by the junta.[75]

Surasit Sangkhapong, director of the Government Lottery Office and an aide of Thaksin resigned to allow Auditor-General Jaruvan Maintaka to conduct an investigation into an allegation of irregularity.[76]

Pol Col Priewphan Damapong, Deputy Police Commissioner-General and brother-in-law of Thaksin Shinawatra, reported to the national police chief in line with the junta's orders.[77]

Thaksin's wife and son, initially reported as having left Thailand for Singapore ahead of the declaration of martial law,[65] were later reported in Thailand.[78][79][80] It was suggested they remained to look after the family's finances.[78] On Monday 25 September Pojaman Shinawatra left Bangkok at 01:30 (18:30 GMT) to join her husband in London.[81]

Council for Democratic Reform

The junta ruled with a series of announcements. An early announcement asked the media to call it by its full name, the Council for Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM), rather than just the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR). The junta said that the public might be misled if it wasn't understood that the junta was working "under the Constitutional Monarchy".[82] Later, the junta formally shortened its English name (but not its Thai name) to Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) in order to avoid any suspicions about the role of the monarchy in the coup.[15]

The 11th official announcement of the military regime outlined its leadership. It was composed of the leaders of all branches of the Thai military and police.[83]

On 20 September 2006 (local time in Bangkok), the junta denied that it had appointed a Prime Minister, and noted that General Sonthi Boonyaratglin had the powers of a Premier.[84]

A week after the coup, Sonthi's former classmate General Boonsrang Naimpradit was promoted from Deputy Supreme Commander to the post of Supreme Commander, replacing Ruangroj Mahasaranon. Junta Secretary General, Winai Phattiyakul, was promoted to the post of Permanent Secretary for Defence.[85]

Gen Sonthi also promoted his classmates and lieutenants in the coup, 1st Army Region Commander Lt-Gen Anupong Paochinda and 3rd Army Region Commander Lt-Gen Saprang Kalayanamitr, to the post of Assistant Army Commander.[86][87]

Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin told Reuters news agency :"I can assure you it is impossible that we will control the government. [...] We will be the government's tool to keep peace."[88]

In its 16th announcement, the CDR gave itself the role of parliament.[89] On 22 September, the junta gave Police General Kowit Wattana absolute power over all police matters and named him chair of a new National Police Commission to rewrite the 2004 National Police Bill.[90]

Appointment of advisory committee

The junta ordered 58 prominent civilians to serve as its advisers. However, most of the appointees denied any knowledge of the appointments, with several saying they couldn't serve. "I have said that the coup is wrong, how can I serve as its advisory board?" asked Chaiwat Satha-anand of the Faculty of Political Science of Chulalongkorn University.[91] Pratheep Ungsongtham Hata, who was appointed to the reconciliation panel, also boycotted the CDR's advisory board, noting that as a democracy advocate, she could not work with the CDR, which took power by unconstitutional means. Pibhob Dhongchai, a leader of the defunct anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy, said he could not participate in the reconciliation panel because he was a member of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council, and already had a channel to advise the government.[92]

Pasuk Pongpaichit, an anti-Thaksin economist who had also been appointed, denied that she would serve as an advisor, using as her excuse an impending extended trip to Japan.[93] However, some appointees welcomed their appointments, like Nakharin Mektrairat and Thawee Suraritthikul, the deans of the Faculty of Political Science of Thammasat and Sukhothai Thammathirat University, respectively.[94] When asked by the press why the junta had not informed the appointees of their appointments, the CDR spokesman Lt-Gen Palangoon Klaharn said: "It is not necessary. Some matters are urgent. It is an honour to help the country. I believe that those who have been named will not reject the appointment because we haven't damaged their reputation."[95]

Investigation of the deposed government

The junta established a committee empowered to investigate any projects or acts by members of the Thaksin government and others who were suspected of any irregularities, including personal tax evasion. The committee, chaired by Nam Yimyaem, had the authority to freeze the assets of members and families of the Thaksin government accused of corruption and was composed of several figures who had been publicly critical of the Thaksin government, including Kaewsan Atibhoti, Jaruvan Maintaka, Banjerd Singkaneti, Klanarong Chantik, and Sak Korsaengruang.

A separate decree (No. 31) gave the NCCC the authority to freeze the assets of politicians who failed to report their financial status by a deadline or intentionally reported false information. Another decree (No. 27) increased the penalty for political party executives whose parties had been ordered dissolved, from simply banning them from forming or becoming executives of a new party, to stripping them of their electoral rights for five years.[96][97]

Interim constitution

A draft interim constitution was released on 27 September 2006, and received mixed reactions.[98][99] Structurally, the draft was similar to the 1991 Constitution, the 1976 Constitution, and the 1959 Charter, in that it allows an extremely powerful executive branch to appoint the entire legislature. The CDR, which would be transformed into a Council for National Security (CNS), would appoint the head of the executive branch, the entire legislature, and the drafters of a permanent constitution.[100]

Thailand's future government

Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, leader of the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy told foreign diplomats that a civilian government and prime minister would be appointed to run the country within two weeks.[101] The constitution would be amended for a rapid return to democracy through a national election in a year's time.[102] This would imply that the October 2006 elections will not take place as scheduled.

Sonthi confirmed a previous statement saying that Thaksin and the members of his cabinet have done no wrong and can return to Thailand. However, Privy Councilor and top contender of appointment as interim Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont warned against Thaksin's return, calling his return a "threat."<[60][61]

Sonthi said Thailand was and still is a democracy and that tourists can continue to visit the country normally. The U.S. State Department has not issued a travel warning for Thailand, but has advised tourists to be vigilant.

On 20 September 2006, Thailand's Army chief and current interim leader, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, pledged to hold general elections by October 2007.[103]

Many civilians were rumored to have been short-listed for appointment to figurehead Prime Minister. These included General Surayud Chulanont (Privy Councilor to King Bhumibol Adulyadej), Akharathorn Chularat, (Chief Justice of the Supreme Administrative Court), and Pridiyathorn Devakula, (Governor of the Bank of Thailand), and Supachai Panitchpakdi (Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development).[104][105]

On 26 September 2006, junta leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin said that the junta would remain in place after the appointment of a civilian government, noting "It's necessary to keep the council so that there is no loophole for the executive branch."[106]

Following the appointment of a new interim civilian government, the junta would be transformed into a permanent "Council of National Security". It will dissolve itself once the general election is held a year later.[2]

Restrictions on human rights and freedom of expression

For general information about the Thai media, see Media in Thailand. For information about censorship in Thailand prior to the coup see Censorship in Thailand.

Over 90 percent of Thais own a television and over 50 percent own a radio. For most Thais, TV and radio are the only source of daily news and information about the coup. Less than 20 percent of the population reads daily newspapers.[107] As of 2004 Internet users made up less than 12 percent of the population nationwide, and 26 percent in the Bangkok area.[108] The junta imposed and maintained censorship on television from the first day of the coup onwards. However, no newspaper publications were suppressed and censorship of the Internet did not start until several days after the coup.

Restrictions on broadcasting and the press

The CDR demanded the cooperation of the Thai mass media and authorised the censorship of news reports that might be negative to the military.[109] During the first 12 hours of the coup information was available only to those able to access the Internet or receive TV channels by satellites not controlled by the junta.

Television censorship

On the evening of Tuesday, 19 September, regular programmes on Thai television channels were replaced by video clips and music authored by the king. The next day, shortly after Sondhi's TV conference, all Thai channels were back on air under control of the ICT ministry authorised to censor information.

On Thursday, 21 September 2006, the CDR summoned media executives to army headquarters and ordered them to stop carrying expressions of public opinion. This included a ban against the common practice of broadcasting viewers' text messages on a news ticker. The junta did not say whether the ban would extend to newspaper editorials or internet web boards.[110]

Thai television broadcasters did not air footage of demonstrations against the coup, including the first major protest on 22 September at Siam Square.[111]

Local cable broadcasts of CNN, BBC, CNBC, NHK, and several other foreign news channels were censored, with all footage involving former Premier Thaksin blacked out.[112]

On Thursday, 21 September 2006, The Guardian disclosed that armed soldiers are sitting in every television news studio and control room.[113] On Thursday, 12 October 2006, Suwanna Uyanan, vice president of the Thai Broadcasting Journalists Association, said that soldiers were occupying Channel 11, where she worked.[114]

The nine members of Board of Directors of MCOT, a privatised state-owned media company, resigned on 26 September, effective 27 September, in order to take responsibility for allowing Thaksin Shinwatra to address the nation on MCOT-controlled Modernine TV (Channel 9).[115]

Radio censorship

On Thursday, 21 September 2006, the CDR ordered more than 300 community radio stations in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son to suspend broadcasts. Community radio stations in Lamphun, Lampang, and Phayao were also ordered to turn their transmitters off. In addition, the pro-Thaksin Muan Chon Community Radio in Udon Thani stopped broadcasting on Wednesday. Police were stationed at the radio building as well as the office of Siang Tham Community Radio Station, owned by revered monk Luang Ta Maha Bua. Maha Bua had been a key supporter of the People's Alliance for Democracy.[116]

In response to the community radio ban, some station operators vowed to air only non political programmes. They promised self-censorship to ensure their programmes would not infringe against CDR rules. Others in the north initiated a signed pledge campaign that they would not become involved in politics and that their programming would be completely free of politics.[117]

Press censorship

The websites of the leading Bangkok newspapers Bangkok Post, The Nation, and Thai Rath had been functioning normally and were reporting the coup. Both the Bangkok Post and The Nation had been strong critics of the deposed government. The Daily News website included extensive photographic coverage of the military operations. On the morning of Wednesday, 20 September newspapers were available as usual.

On Saturday 23 September 2006, the CDR said they would "urgently retaliate against foreign reporters whose coverage has been deemed insulting to the monarchy." Numerous international news agencies speculated at the king's role in the coup (see Role and position of the King).

Internet censorship

On 21 September, during a meeting with internet service providers and operators of TV stations, radio stations, and other ICT businesses, the ICT Ministry (ICT) asked webmasters to close political webboards found to contain provocative messages for 12 days. Kraisorn Pornsuthee, ICT Permanent Secretary said that websites and webboards will face permanent closure if such messages continue to appear, but that messages could be posted on webboards as long as they do not provoke any misunderstandings.[118] The anti-coup website 19sep.org was shut down, but later relocated to the US.[119] The official website of the Thai Rak Thai[120] party was also shut down.

On 27 September, the ICT ministry confirmed that at least 10 websites were shut down for violating the junta's regulations.[121]

The Midnight University website,[122] a free scholarly resource and discussion board, was temporarily shut down after the management of Midnight University and scholars from Chiang Mai University conducted a protest against the junta's draft interim charter. Somkiat Tangnamo, the webmaster of Midnight University, claimed the site contained 1,500 free scholarly articles and received 2.5 million visits per month. Kasian Tejapira of Thammasat University claimed the website was "the foremost free and critical educational and public intellectual website in Thailand. The shutdown is not only a huge loss to academic and intellectual freedom in Thai society, but also the closure of a free forum for the contention of ideas so as to find a peaceful alternative to violent conflict in Thailand." Kraisorn Pornsuthee ICT Ministry permanent secretary said he did not know about the shutdown of the website and would ask for details from his officials.[123]

In the second week after the coup, the Thai Rak Thai website was temporarily inaccessible, with no indication if it was an act of censure or not. The Thaksin.com website used by Thaksin to receive mail and comments from his supporters and to promote himself was also inaccessible.[124]

Restrictions on political meetings and political parties

The military banned any gathering of five or more people for political purposes, threatening violators with six months in jail. On Wednesday, 20 September, the military arrested activist Chalard Worachat along with hunger striker and former MP Thawee Kraikup at Democracy Monument while they were peacefully protesting against the coup.[109]

The anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy formally cancelled its scheduled rally for 20 September 2006 and later dissolved itself, after having reached its goal of toppling the Thaksin government.[125][126] The status of the Mass Party, established by PAD leaders, was not known.

Thailand's coup leaders Thursday banned political parties from holding meetings or from conducting any other activities, according to a statement read on national television. The junta also barred the establishment of new political parties.

“

In order to maintain law and order, meetings of political parties and conducting of other political activities are banned.[127]

 ”

"Political gatherings of more than five people have already been banned, but political activities can resume when normalcy is restored," the statement said.[127]

In its 22nd announcement, the junta ordered a complete ban on all political activities, including those at the local level like tambon administrative organizations and provincial administrative organisations.[128]

Despite the bans, the organizers of the Thai Social Forum, a major nationwide conference of 300 social and political activists, insisted that the meeting would continue to take place at Thammasat University's Rangsit Center from 21–23 October. Jon Ungphakorn, an organizer said that the focus of the conference would be media reform and press freedom.[129]

Restrictions on the right to travel

The military interpreted the restriction on the right to assembly as a restriction against travel, in at least one case. On the night of 25 September, 100 teachers from Chiang Rai were traveling via bus to attend a social function in Chonburi Province when they were stopped by soldiers at a checkpoint. The soldiers refused to allow the two busloads of teachers to continue because they failed to provide a permit from the Chiang Rai army commander for them to move in a group larger than five people.[130]

Large groups travelling into Bangkok were required to seek authorization from their district offices.[131]

Role and position of the king

It was assumed by some Thai analysts and the international media that the coup had the support of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. For some analysts, the silence of both the King and Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda on the day following the coup was taken as indicating support. remarks made earlier in 2006 by Thaksin had been widely understood as a criticism of Prem's continued influence in Thai politics.[132]

Royal endorsement is critical to establishing legitimacy for military rebellions. Every successful coup over the past 60 years has been endorsed by King Bhumibol. Previous unendorsed coups in 1981 and 1985 failed after at most a few days. For background, see King Bhumibol's role in Thai politics.[132]

On 14 July 2006, Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda addressed graduating cadets of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, telling them that the Thai military must obey the orders of the king, not the government.[133]

At the time that special forces started mobilizing from Lopburi to Bangkok, Prem was having an audience with the king.[12] This led to speculation outside Thailand that the king had advance knowledge of the coup, or even that he had executive control over it, although there was no direct evidence for this. The day after the coup, the king endorsed it and its leader. Given the extensive reserve powers retained by the king, this statement gave legitimacy to the coup and legal authority to Sonthi's position.

Some Thai analysts have said that the king must have at least been in favour of the coup. "The role of the king was critical in this crisis," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Chulalongkorn University, adding that "This coup was nothing short of Thaksin versus the King. He is widely seen as having implicitly endorsed the coup." Thitinan said he believed the king had allowed the coup to take place as it was the best option available. "What we were heading for otherwise was violence in the streets," he said.

Sulak Sivaraksa, a well-known social critic, said, "Without his involvement, the coup would have been impossible." Sulak added that the king is "very skillful. He never becomes obviously involved. If this coup goes wrong, Sonthi will get the blame, but whatever happens, the King will only get praise."[132]

The Bangkok correspondent of The Australian, Peter Alford, wrote: "The King's overriding commitment has always been to social stability...and by December last year, he had clearly lost any faith in Thaksin's capacity to govern without wedging the country apart...All Prem need do is refrain from criticising the coup... for almost all Thais to believe they know the King's will."[134]

On 13 April 2008, the Asia Sentinel wrote: "Never mind elections, the fate of Thaksin's proxy party could be decided, yet again, by Thailand's royalist judges and generals. Thailand's proxy war between loyalists to deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Bangkok's royalist elite is stirring once again, with the outcome as uncertain as ever."

National reactions

The coup occurred after nearly two years of escalating anti-Thaksin sentiment, particularly in Bangkok. Even long-standing rural supporters of Thaksin reported increasing frustration at the tensions caused by the Thailand political crisis 2005-2006.[135]

Public support for the coup has been widely aired and published whilst public expression of opinion against the coup has been limited by the military control over the media, the ban on protests and political activity, and the arrest of some cabinet members by the junta. Protest has also arisen from both pro- and anti- Thaksin supporters and is directed against the use of military power to resolve a political stalemate. Protest is also limited following the king's endorsement of the coup and the junta's use of a royal decree that legitimizes the coup. See also Censorship in Thailand.

Reactions from the Thai Rak Thai and its supporters

With Thaksin and most of the Thai Rak Thai-party leaders in London and some of its top executives in detention,[136][137] the reaction of the TRT was minimal. Several former party leaders believe the party will have to be dissolved. Former Khon Kaen MP Prajak Kaewklaharn said "When we have no leader and no executives, the party cannot continue"

A former TRT MP from Udon Thani, Thirachai Saenkaew, called for the junta to allow party-leader Thaksin Shinawatra to contest the next election. Thirachai claimed that TRT supporters wanted Thaksin to return to politics after the political reform.[138]

Former Udon Thani MP Theerachai Saenkaew said his constituents would still vote for Thaksin and his party at the next general election. "Following the normalisation of the political situation, democratic rule should move forward in accordance with the voice of the people," Theerachai said.[139]

Former Sakon Nakhon MP Chalermchai Ulankul, a member of a faction allied with Suchart Tancharoen, a key TRT figure, said he and others might be unemployed for about a year. However, he said his group was "firm" and preparing to run in the election next year. "As long as the Thai Rak Thai Party is not dissolved, we can't say we will move to be under any other party. However, I don't know who will continue the TRT."[137]

Nearly two weeks after the coup, TRT's deputy leader Sontaya Kunplome and his 20-member faction resigned from the party. Somsak Thepsuthin, another TRT's deputy leader said he and his Wan Nam Yom faction which has about 80 members would also submit their resignation. The move comes after the CDR issued an order banning from political activities for five years all executive members of a party that has been dissolved. TRT is currently under investigation and could be dissolved for hiring smaller party during the April 2006 election.[140]

On Tuesday, 2 October ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and former Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusipitak resigned from the Thai Rak Thai Party.[141][142]

Reactions from grassroots supporters who lack political organisation have been muted. A woman who benefited from Thaksin populist policies said "He gave me a chance to keep my daughter alive. He gave us food when we were in need. Now that he's been chased out, the poor have lost their closest friend.'"[143]

Public support

Food given by supporters of the coup stacking up near an armoured vehicle.

On Wednesday, 20 September 2006, Suan Dusit Rajabhat University published the result of a poll of 2019 people. The results were that 84 percent supported the coup d'état, and 75 percent believe the coup will "improve politics". Only 5 percent believe the coup will make politics worse.[144][145] This should be contrasted with a nationwide poll taken in July that found that 49 percent of the people would vote for Thaksin's party in the cancelled October election.[146] Starting Thursday, 21 September, the junta ordered the media to stop publicizing the results of public opinion against the coup, which presumably included public opinion polls.

Soldier asking the crowd to move back as people wait to have picture of their children taken with him.

Soldiers were heartened by the warm public response. A soldier who agreed with the coup although he said it wasn't democratic said "I talked to people protesting against Thaksin Shinawatra who said they could do anything and would sacrifice their lives. If that happened—and officers had to suppress the chaos—the loss would be greater". He added, "We have our own democracy. We are all under His Majesty the King and people still have faith in the monarch. The military has a duty to protect the country, the religion and the King."[147]

A group of lecturers and students from Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon briefly held a rally in front of army headquarters to urge their counterparts from Chulalongkorn and Thammasat Universities not to oppose to the coup.[148] Many students from Chulalongkorn University supported the coup.[149]

The Campaign for Popular Democracy, which coordinates 32 civic groups, six universities and 169 NGOs, came out in support of the coup, as did several politicians, including former Senator Kraisak Choonhavan. Kraisak, whose father Chatichai Choonhavan had been deposed in a coup in 1991, said, "This is the first coup where I don't have to watch my back."[150][151][152]

A demonstration occurred in front of the UN Building in New York City in support of the coup.[153]

Public disapproval

Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai said of the events, "As politicians, we do not support any kind of coup, but during the past five years, the government of Thaksin created several conditions that forced the military to stage the coup. Thaksin has caused the crisis in the country."[154]

Anand Panyarachun, one of Thailand's most respected intellectuals, head of drafting committee of the 1997 constitution, and former coup-installed prime minister, noted his criticism of the coup in an interview with the Far Eastern Economic Review.[155]

“ You have to remember that since 1992, we have had four general elections; we had peaceful transfers of power; we had governments who served full four-year terms. The military in 1992 had gone back to the barracks, and up to a few months ago there were no speculations and rumors about a possible coup. The armed forces, particularly the army, had gone back to the barracks and had become real professional soldiers. So to me what happened must be considered to be an extremely unfortunate dead-end street. So let's hope that there will be a new civilian government, fully engaged in some of the reform measures, including the revision of the present Constitution.[156] ”

However, Anand later qualified his disapproval, by noting that "A coup d'état has a different meaning in the Thai context," and blaming the coup on Thaksin, "Over the past five years Thaksin and his party have become too powerful. They have consolidated their hold over the government machinery and certain sectors of the armed forces and parliament. So I think it's a more precarious situation."[157]

Other prominent academics also voiced disapproval of the coup, including Pasuk Pongpaijitr, Chaiwat Satha-anand, and Giles Ungphakorn.

Leader of the Democrat Party Abhisit Vejjajiva voiced displeasure at the coup hours just before all political activities were banned:

“ We cannot and do not support any kind of extra-constitutional change, but it's done. The country has to move forward and the best way forward is for the coup leaders to quickly return power to the people and carry out reforms they promised. They have to prove themselves. I urge them to lift all restrictions as soon as possible. There is no need to write a brand new constitution. They could make changes to the 1997 constitution and if that's the case, there is no reason to take a year. Six months is a good time.[158] ”

Other Democrat Party leaders, like Chuan Leekpai and Korn Chatikavanij expressed displeasure over the coup, but blamed Thaksin.[159][160]

Several student groups also stated disapproval at the coup. Signs were set up and demonstrations organized to protest it. However, no unified multi-university statement of disapproval was made.

Reports on the numbers, extent and nature of public demonstrations against the coup and the military government are often contingent on national media whose freedom of speech is limited by the censure imposed by the CDRM. Organised local opposition to the coup was muted by a junta ban against assemblies of more than five persons. International protests against the coup were scattered, with anti-coup demonstrators protesting in front of the Thai Consulates in New York City and Seoul.[161][162]

Hunger striker Thawee Kraikup before his arrest

Democracy Monument, 20 September

Activist Chalard Worachat and former MP Thawee Kraikup held a protest against the junta at the Democracy Monument the day after the coup. Thawee held up a sign saying "Fasting in Protest Against the Destroyer of Democracy." Military forces arrived soon afterwards and arrested Chalard at 12:30.[163] Thawee refused to stop his protest and was arrested three hours later.

Siam Center, 22 September

A group of protesters at Siam Square, 22 September 2006

The first public protest after the coup attracted between 20 and 100 protesters in front of Siam Center on the evening of Friday, 22 September 2006.[164][165][166][167][168][169] Nobody was arrested, but police recorded the protest on video and noted that the tape would be examined to determine if protesters broke martial law. It is unknown whether the police or junta will arrest those it had recorded.[111] Demonstrators wore black to mourn the death of democracy, and urged people who opposed the coup to also wear black.[111] Protester Giles Ungphakorn noted, "We believe we speak for a significant number of Thais who are too worried or too afraid to speak." The protest was not reported on Thai television channels. The Independent reported that when the first protester, a female student, began reading out a statement, armed police forced their way through the crowd and grabbed her. A police officer jabbed a gun into her stomach and told her: "You're coming with us." The protesters tried to hold the woman back, but her fate is unknown.[170]

Thammasat University, 25 September

The second public protest against the coup occurred on Monday, 25 September 2006 and attracted between 50-60 protesters and 200 spectators. It was held at 17:00 at Thammasat University. The protest included a political discussion on "Why we must resist the coup", and was organized by the "Dome Daeng (Red Dome)" group of Thammasat University, the "Chula Students for Liberty" group, and students from Mahidol, Ramkhamhaeng and Kasetsart universities and King Mongkut's Institute of Technology. "The choice in our world is not just between Thaksin or tanks," said Arunwana Sanitkawathee, a protesting Thammasat journalism student.[171] The one-hour rally featured a banner mocking the "Council of Demented and Ridiculous Military". There were no uniformed police, but several intelligence officers were present and recorded the event on video.[172][173]

Subsequent protests

Protests were also held at Chulalongkorn University on 27 September 2006.[174] A protest was also held in Chiang Mai on 28 September 2006. On 2 October 2006, several dozen students and labor representatives demonstrated in front of army headquarters and burned the junta's Interim Constitution.[175] On 6 October, the protest continued at Thammasat University and on 14 October, hundreds of protesters gathered around the Democracy Monument.[176]

Democracy Monument, 10 December 2006

Two thousand people dressed in black protested the coup on Constitution Day, 10 December 2006, at Sanam Luang and in front of the Democracy Monument. The group demanded the immediate revival of the 1997 constitution and a new election. Protestors included Weng Tojirakarn, Sant Hathirat and former senator Prateep Ungsongtham-Hata. Roadblocks were set up across the country to prevent protestors from heading to Bangkok. A group of 41 would-be protestors were stopped by police - their names were taken down and they were "encouraged" to head back home. A smaller group protested the coup and junta at Thammasat University.[177][178]

Violent protests

At 06:00, Saturday 30 September 2006, a taxi driver who had spray painted "[CDR is] destroying the country," and "Sacrificing life" onto his vehicle intentionally rammed it into a tank at the Royal Plaza. The driver, Nuamthong Praiwan, was severely injured and taken to a police station nearby. He later told reporters from a hospital bed that he wanted to protest the junta for damaging the country.[179][180] His hooded body was later found hung from a pedestrian flyover. Officials ruled his death a suicide.[181]

Petitions

An active on-line petition organized by Thongchai Winichakul, of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, was also set up at the PetitionOnline website to urge the junta not to arrest or harm protesters. Several influential figures have signed the petition so far, including Kasian Tejapira of Thammasat University, Viroj Na Ranong of the TDRI, and Duncan McCargo of the University of Leeds.[182]

Media

In an editorial, Bangkok's English-language broadsheet, The Nation, gave qualified support to the coup. It noted that "the likes of Thaksin should be rejected at the ballot box or through public pressure in the form of peaceful protests." However, under the circumstances in Thailand, it said the coup "may be a necessary evil."[183]

Bangkok Royal Thai Army

Thanaphol Eiwsakul, editor of Fah Diew Kan magazine (which had been censored by the Thaksin government), urged the public to resist the coup by exercising their right to protest coups as guaranteed by Article 65 of the 1997 Constitution. He vowed to stage a protest on Thursday, 21 September 2006.[163]

The Campaign for Popular Media Reform criticized the military for media censorship stationing soldiers outside media outlets. "Our standpoint is, we still believe that the military have no right, they should not give any order to shut down any media, even those [community] radio stations."[184]

In a statement issued on 25 September, the Thai Journalists Association and the Broadcast Journalists Association did not condemn the coup, nor did it protest the junta's orders restricting freedom of the press. However, it urged the junta to transfer power back to the people as soon as possible and give the promised interim government a free hand to run the country. It also urged the junta to ensure that the promised constitution gave similar rights to the abrogated 1997 People's Constitution and also to allow the public to participate in its drafting, as the 1997 Constitution was.[185]

Human rights groups

Saneh Chamarik, chairman of the state National Human Rights Commission, stated in an interview, "I do not think [the coup] is about progression or regression [of democracy], but about problem solving." His remark was criticized by Suwit Lertkraimethi, an organizer of the 19 September Network against Coup d'Etat, who noted, "His role is to protect human rights, but his statement showed his approval of human-rights violations." Suwit demanded Saneh's resignation from the NHRC.[186]

The Hong Kong-based Asian Human Rights Commission was critical of the coup. "The Asian Human Rights Commission is gravely disturbed by this takeover of power. It has no place in Thailand at a time that parliamentary democracy, despite difficulties, was maturing and taking root." The Commission called on the military to appoint a caretaker civilian government swiftly and on the United Nations General Assembly to condemn the coup. Later, the commission called for the junta to release the four cabinet members who the junta had arrested and detained without charges beyond the seven-day period allowed by Thai martial law provisions.[187] In October the group set up a webpage contrasting commitments given by the coup group with what it had actually done.[188]

New York-based Human Rights Watch was also critical of the coup. "Thaksin's rule had seriously eroded respect for human rights in Thailand, but suspending basic rights under the constitution is not the answer," said Brad Adams, Asia director of Human Rights Watch. "Thailand needs to solve its problems through the rule of law and the people exercising their right to choose their own leaders."[189]

The Thailand Union for Civil Liberty was also critical of the coup. In a formal statement, it noted that the coup was destructive to the democratic system and would result in serious human rights infractions. The association demanded that the junta respect human rights, involve public participation to draft a constitution that protected human rights at least as well as the abrogated 1997 Constitution, and hold speedy elections.[190]

Amnesty International demanded that the junta must uphold human rights. "No one should be penalised for their peaceful exercise of the rights of freedom of expression, association or assembly," the London-based group said in a statement. Amnesty also called for the junta to "comply with Thailand's obligations under international human rights law."[191]

On Monday 25 September 20 academics and human right activists submitted a petition to the junta to request that they cancel restrictions that violate basic human rights. They also called for all sectors of the public to take part in the drafting of a new constitution.[192]

Southern border provinces

Thailand's southern Muslims, who widely despised ousted Premier Thaksin Shinawatra, said they hoped Muslim army commander and junta head General Sonthi Boonyaratglin would hold peace talks with separatist insurgents. Before the coup, Sonthi had suggested negotiations with insurgents, to much government criticism. However, up until 16 September, the army admitted it didn't know who to negotiate with.[193]

After a brief lull, violence resumed two days after the coup, when two villagers were shot in Yala. On 23 September four policemen were injured in a bus stop bombing on a road to be travelled by Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn later that afternoon. Then on 25 September, two police stations and a military outpost were attacked by 30 gunmen in a coordinated series of attacks.[194][195][196][197]

Karen refugees Myanmar/Thailand border

The secretary-general of the insurgent Karen Nation Union Mahn Sha told The Irrawaddy that he believed Surayud will honor his word to return power to the people, and steer the country in the right direction. Many Burmese refugees will have fond memory of Surayud who, as army chief under Chuan Leekpai's Democrat government in 1998, endorsed a policy of not pushing back refugees who fled from war and persecution in Burma. "He understands the nature of democratic groups," Mahn Sha said. The Karen leader thought that "[Surayud] was highly regarded among other Burmese pro-democracy groups because of his integrity and professionalism in the army. He is a good soldier who sympathizes with refugees from Burma," said Mahn Sha adding hoping that Surayud would not have a "one sided view" towards Burmese politics not based on business considerations.[198]

International reactions

Diplomatic reactions

The reactions to the coup outside Thailand were generally negative. Many organizations and countries expressed their concern about the situation and hoped for a peaceful resolution.[199][200] Some countries advised recent travelers to Thailand to be alert due to safety concerns.[201][202][203] International government statements concerning the coup ranged from harsh denunciations to non-interference.[204][205][206]

The United States said "There's no justification for a military coup in Thailand or in anyplace else, and we certainly are extremely disappointed by this action."[207] It later noted that it would like to see elections held earlier than the one-year timetable set by the coup leaders.[208] The United States later cut off US$24 million in military aid although funding for humanitarian purposes would continue.[209]

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan noted that "I don't have the details but this is not a practice to be encouraged." He also said, "As the African Union, for example, has indicated, they do not support those who come to power through the barrel of a gun."[210] The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights later noted that the coup contravened human rights conventions and urged the junta to "ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and reinstate the country's human rights commission."[211]

International media responses

Several international publications condemned the coup. The Economist noted that the coup would not solve any problems, that its purpose was to prevent an election victory by the Thai Rak Thai Party, and that it undid a decade's worth of democratic progress. It also noted how the general lack of international condemnation for the coup might embolden military leaders or reinforce authoritative tendencies in neighbouring countries.[212] The New York Times also criticized the coup, noting that Thailand, a former exemplary leader of democracy, was now sidestepping constitutional processes to achieve political ends.[213]

Economic consequences

Stock Exchange

Thai stocks fell to two-month lows before recovering in the first day of trading since a military coup ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Shares of Shin Corp., linked to Thaksin, and its units declined. The SET Index dropped 9.99, or 1.4 percent, to 692.57 at the 16:30 close in Bangkok. About six stocks fell for every one that rose at the exchange, with 43 billion baht (US$1.1 billion) changing hands. That was the most since 51 billion baht in shares traded on 5 April, the day after Thaksin said he would step down to end a political crisis. The SET rose 3.1 percent that day.

The SET Index fell 29.64 points, or 4.2 percent to 702.63 in the first minutes of trading Thursday to its lowest intraday level since 21 July.[214] But quickly bounced back, suggesting the coup would do no greater damage. Merrill Lynch said "This time investors should be encouraged by the fact that the uncertainty surrounding Thaksin's tenure has been removed." and kept its "overweight" rating on Thai stocks. Foreign Institutions with JPM leading is net buy 7,393 million baht (US$200 million) in this day. After the previous coup, in February 1991, the SET tumbled 7.3 percent on the first day of trading before rallying 24 percent in the next two months.[215]

Currency

The Thai baht experienced its biggest loss in almost three years after the military seized control of Bangkok and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra declared a state of emergency. The baht fell 1.3 percent to 37.77 per dollar at 17:06 in New York, from 37.29 late on 18 September, the biggest decline since 14 October 2003. The baht trimmed losses after falling by as much as 1.8 percent on speculation King Bhumibol Adulyadej would resolve the crisis.[216]

The baht rebounded in the following day as investors bet the coup would break a political deadlock that had stalled public works spending. The currency rose the most in more than eight months after army chief Sondhi Boonyarataklin took power without bloodshed and pledged to hold elections in October 2007. The baht rose 1 percent to 37.38 per dollar at 14:30 in Bangkok. "This represents a buying opportunity as it removes the political roadblock from the economy," said Richard Yetsenga, a currency strategist at HSBC Holdings Plc in Hong Kong. "The coup is as calm as you could possibly expect."[217]

See also

Further reading

References

  1. ↑ Council for Democratic Reform website
  2. 1 2 Bangkok Post, 25 September 2006, Military set to publish interim constitution
  3. ↑ Bangkok Post, "Thailand lifts martial law in 41 provinces", 26 January 2007
  4. 1 2 The Nation, The persistent myth of the 'good' coup, 2 October 2006
  5. ↑ กรุงเทพธุรกิจ, พล.ท.สพรั่ง กัลยาณมิตร"วางแผนปฏิรูปการปกครองมาแล้ว 7-8 เดือน", 24 September 2006
  6. ↑ Thanapol Eawsakul, "The Coup for Democracy with the King as Head of State", Fa Dieo Kan special issue, 2007
  7. ↑ คมชัดลึก, [มทภ.3ชี้ชาติไร้ผู้นำ ตท.10ย้ำชัดไม่ยึดอำนาจ], 19 July 2006
  8. ↑ Timeline: From contested elections to military coup, Financial Times, 19 September 2006
  9. ↑ Thai arrests over Thaksin 'plot', BBC News, 7 September 2006
  10. ↑ The Nation, Car-bomb suspects get bail, 30 September 2006
  11. 1 2 Asia Times, Grumbles, revelations of a Thai coup maker, 22 December 2006
  12. 1 2 The Nation, Coup as it unfolds, 20 September 2006
  13. ↑ Thailand ruling military uses beauty queen, 26 September 2006
  14. ↑ Thailand's Military Ousts Prime Minister, Associated Press, 2006-09-19, 15:03 EDT
  15. 1 2 The Nation, CDRM now calls itself as CDR, 28 September
  16. ↑ Text: Thai coup-leaders' statements, BBC News, 2006-09-19, 21:38 GMT
  17. ↑ Thai PM 'overthrown in army coup', BBC
  18. ↑ Hariraksapitak, Pracha (19 September 2006). "Thai army declares nationwide martial law". Reuters. Retrieved 17 December 2007.
  19. ↑ One night in Bangkok, 19 September 2006
  20. ↑ Associated Press (2006). Thai military moves to overthrow prime minister. Retrieved 19 September 2006.
  21. ↑ Thai Military Launches Coup, Tgdfgdfgfhreygertretakes Power From Prime Minister Thaksin, FoxNews.com, 19 September 2006
  22. ↑ "Ousted Thai leader Thaksin gets ready to leave US", channelnewsasia.com, 20 September 2006
  23. ↑ The Nation Nationmultimedia.com ARC summons media bosses to toughen controls
  24. ↑ Bangkok Post, Council wants clamps on information, 21 September 2006
  25. ↑ Created by Tee, แด่รัฐธรรมนูญฉบับประชาชน Growlichat.com, 20 September 2006 (Thai)
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  28. ↑ "Ousted Prime Minister Thaksin "arrives in London", The Nation, 20 September 2006
  29. ↑ "Thai PM in London for 'private' visit after coup", The Nation, 20 September 2006
  30. 1 2 "Developments in the military coup d'etat today", Bangkok Post 20 September 2006
  31. ↑ "Royal command issued to appoint Sonthi as ARC president", The Nation, 21 September 2006
  32. ↑ "ARC issues statement to maintain EC status", The Nation, 21 September 2006
  33. ↑ "ARC issues order to divide responsibilities", The Nation, 21 September 2006
  34. ↑ "Alleged plot raises troubling questions", The Nation, 25 August 2006
  35. ↑ "Police, bomb plot file vanish", Bangkok Post, 21 September 2006
  36. ↑ ChannelNewAsia.com Thai coup leader summons media bosses to toughen controls 21 September 2006
  37. ↑ ChannelNewAsia.com, Fewer tanks in Bangkok as Thai army reduces presence, 21 September 2006
  38. ↑ ChannelNewAsia.com, Two Thaksin aides summoned by coup leaders, 21 September 2006
  39. ↑ The Nation. Nationmultimedia.com, Somkid arrives at Don Muang
  40. ↑ ChannelNewsAsia.com Thai commandos search for Thaksin as his plane returns, 21 September 2006
  41. ↑ ChannelNewsAsia.com, Ousted Thai PM Thaksin urges new polls, calls for unity, 21 September 2006
  42. 1 2 Bangkok Post, 20 September 2006
  43. ↑ The Nation, Nationalmultimedia.com, Sonthi outsmarted Thaksin at the eleventh hour
  44. ↑ The Nation, Nationmultimedia.com, Rangers close to Thaksin disarmed
  45. ↑ Bangkok Post, Newin, Yongyuth greeted with jeers as they report to army HQ, 22 September 2006
  46. ↑ The Nation, Sonthi told Thaksin he would stage a coup, 27 October 2006
  47. ↑ International Herald Tribune, Thaksin refuses to resign despite protests in Bangkok, 6 March 2006
  48. ↑ The Nation, The auspicious number nine versus ET, 27 October 2006
  49. ↑ The Nation,Coup as it unfolds
  50. ↑ Bangkok Post, Coup d'etat spending not denied by Sonthi, 20 December 2006
  51. ↑ The Nation, OAG asked to verify rumours of Bt1.5 bn paid to army officers, 20 December 2006
  52. ↑ The Nation, Thaksin feels heat after chilly London, 17 November 2006
  53. ↑ The Nation, Sonthi outsmarted Thaksin at the eleventh hour, 22 September 2006
  54. ↑ The Nation, We did it for the people: Sonthi, 25 November 2006
  55. ↑ The Nation, "What Thaksin had done wrong", 22 November 2006
  56. ↑ BBC NEWS Asia-Pacific, [news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/Asia-pacific/5367936.stm Thai king remains centre stage], 21 September 2006
  57. ↑ Asia Sentinel, What the Thai coup was really about, 6 November 2006
  58. ↑ John Roberts and Peter Symonds, Wsws.org, 25 September 2006
  59. ↑ ChannelNewAsia.com, Thaksin can return, but may face charges: army chief, 20 September 2006
  60. 1 2 The Nation, Warning from Surayud: Thaksin's return 'a threat', 28 September 2006
  61. 1 2 Bangkok Post, Surayud leads nominees for PM, 27 September 2006
  62. ↑ ChannelNewAsia.com, Ex-Thai number two remains in race for Annan's post despite coup: envoy, 21 September 2006
  63. ↑ The Nation, Thanong Bidaya stays in Singapore, 20 September 2006
  64. ↑ CNN, Thailand's king gives blessing to coup, 20 September 2006
  65. 1 2 3 The Nation, Govt heavies flee after many held, 20 September 2006
  66. 1 2 ChannelNewAsia.com, "Four officials close to ousted Thai PM now detained", 22 September 2006
  67. ↑ The Nation, Yongyuth and Newin ordered to report themselves to ARC, 20 September 2006
  68. ↑ The Nation, Soldiers raid Yongyuth's houses, 21 September 2006
  69. ↑ The Nation, Urgent: Newin reports to ARC, 21 September 2006
  70. ↑ The Nation, Urgent: Yongyuth reports to ARC, 21 September 2006
  71. ↑ The Nation, Four key men under Thaksin freed : Sonthi, 3 October 2006
  72. ↑ Bangkok Post, Ex-ministers in custody, 22 September 2006
  73. ↑ Bangkok Post, Sonthi loyalists put in key military positions, 22 March 2007
  74. ↑ Bangkok Post, Mid-year reshuffle completes the Thaksin purge, 22 March 2007
  75. ↑ The Nation, ARC issues order to maintain Jaruvan's status, 20 September 2006
  76. ↑ The Nation, GLO chief resigns, 29 September 2006
  77. ↑ The Nation, Priewphan reports to police chief, 20 September 2006
  78. 1 2 The Nation, Please leave my family alone, pleads Thaksin, 22 September 2006
  79. ↑ Bangkok Post, Bangkokpost.net, Thaksin's wife, children still in Thailand
  80. ↑ The Nation, Nationmultimedia.com, Perfect plot ousts great manipulator
  81. ↑ The Nation, Nationmultimedia.com, Pojaman leaves for London
  82. ↑ The Nation, Call us in full – CDRM
  83. ↑ Bangkok Post, Top generals all in, 20 September 2006
  84. ↑ Bangkok Post, Developments in the military coup d'etat today, 20 September 2006
  85. ↑ The Nation, Ousted PM's allies receives lenient punishment, 29 September 2006
  86. ↑ Bangkok Post, Thaksin's cronies get shown door, 24 September 2006
  87. ↑ The Nation, Annual military reshuffle announced, 29 September 2006
  88. ↑ BBC News Thaksin military allies sidelined
  89. ↑ The Nation, Nationalmultimedia.com, CDRM gives parliament role to itself
  90. ↑ Bangkok Post, "Coup leader gets full police powers", 22 October 2006
  91. ↑ Bangkok Post, CDR advisers not told of appointments, 26 September 2006
  92. ↑ The Nation, Three refuse to join CDR reconciliation committee, 1 October 2006
  93. ↑ (Thai) INN News, 'ผาสุก' ปัดร่วมคณะที่ปรึกษาศก.คปค., 27 September 2006
  94. ↑ Bangkok Post, New advisers to CDR urge 'reluctant' to give it a try, 28 September 2006
  95. ↑ Bangkok Post, Some advisers surprised by appointments, 26 September 2006
  96. ↑ The Nation, More powers for investigators, 1 October 2006
  97. ↑ Bangkok Post, Assets scrutiny panel gets muscle, 1 October 2006
  98. ↑ The Nation, Draft charter criticised, 28 September 2006
  99. ↑ The Nation, Academics: no consensus
  100. ↑ The Nation, Interim charter draft, 27 September 2006
  101. ↑ "Civilian govt in 2 weeks", The Nation, 20 September 2006
  102. ↑ "Thai coup leader unveils PM plans", BBC, 20 September 2006
  103. ↑ MSNBC, Army Chief in Thai Coup Vows October 2007 Vote, 20 September 2006
  104. ↑ The Nation, Supachai 'to discuss terms' for PM's post, 26 September 2006
  105. ↑ The Nation, Sonthi: Civilian govt in 2 weeks, 24 September 2006
  106. ↑ The Nation, Thai junta to work alongside new PM: coup leader, 26 September 2006
  107. ↑ Press Reference
  108. ↑ NECTEC, Nectec.or.th, Thailand ICT indicator 2005
  109. 1 2 The Nation Nationmultimedia.com, Activists, former MP arrested after staging protest
  110. ↑ The Nation, ARC summons media bosses to toughen controls, 21 September 2006
  111. 1 2 3 First successful anti-coup protest in Thailand
  112. ↑ Associated Press, Thai coup leaders criticize media, 29 September 2006
  113. ↑ Thai protesters defy martial law, The Guardian, 22 September 2006
  114. ↑ TV as shackled as in Thaksin days, The Nation, 12 October 2006
  115. ↑ Bangkok Post, Mcot board resigns 'for Thaksin broadcast', 27 September 2006
  116. ↑ The Nation, Community radio stations shut down, 22 September 2006
  117. ↑ Bangkok Post, Broadcasters pledge self-censorship
  118. ↑ Bangkok Post, 22 September 2006, New media restrictions imposed
  119. ↑ The Nation, nationmultimedia.com, 22 September 2006
  120. ↑ Thairakthai.or.th
  121. ↑ Reporters Without Borders, Open letter to interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont about press freedom violations
  122. ↑ Midnightuniv.org
  123. ↑ The Nation, Midnight University website shut down after protest, 1 October 2006
  124. ↑ The Nation, 4 October 2006, Thai Rak Thai website back online
  125. ↑ Bangkok Post, Coup leaders authorise press censorship, 20 September 2006
  126. ↑ The Nation, PAD dissolved, 21 September 2006
  127. 1 2 ChannelNewsAsia.com Thai coup leaders ban political meetings, 21 September 2006
  128. ↑ The Nation, CDRM issues announcement to ban activities of local politicians, 25 September 2006
  129. ↑ The Nation, University meet to go ahead, 27 September 2006
  130. ↑ The Nation, Some 100 Chiang Rai teachers stopped by soldiers on their way to Chon Buri, 26 September 2006
  131. ↑ (Thai) Manager Online, “ทภ.2” ปลุกทหารเกษียณร่วมปกป้องแผ่นดิน - เข้ม ปชช.เดินทางเป็นกลุ่ม “นอภ.” ต้องรับรอง, 25 September 2006
  132. 1 2 3 Kate McGeown, Thai king remains centre stage, BBC News, 21 September 2006
  133. ↑ Tinsulanonda, General Prem (14 July 2006). "A special lecture to CRMA cadets". Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. Archived from the original on 7 November 2007. Retrieved 25 September 2007.
  134. ↑ "Peter Alford: Tears for democracy, not Thaksin," The Australian, 21 September 2006
  135. ↑ The Christian Science Monitor, Thai coup uproots a thin democracy, 21 September 2006
  136. ↑ The Nation, Where are they?
  137. 1 2 The Nation, 23 September 2006,Stunned Thaksin followers mull options
  138. ↑ The Nation, Thaksin should be allowed to contest election: Thai Rak Thai member, 30 September 2006
  139. ↑ The Nation, TRT plans poll to test Thaksin's popularity, 1 October 2006
  140. ↑ The Nation, 2 October 2006, Sonthaya and Chonburi faction resign from TRT
  141. ↑ The Nation, 2 October 2006 Thaksin resigns from Thai Rak Thai
  142. ↑ The Nation, 2 October 2006 Somkid resigns from Thai Rak Thai Party
  143. ↑ The Washington Post, 24 September 2006 Thai Coup Highlights Struggles Over Democracy
  144. ↑ Suan Dusit's publication of poll on public support.
  145. ↑ Bangkok Post English publication about the poll
  146. ↑ July 2006 election poll results.
  147. ↑ The Nation, 22 September 2006 Soldiers heartened by warm public response
  148. ↑ The Nation, Nationalmultimedia.com, Phra Nakhon university rally in support of coup makers
  149. ↑ Inter Press Service News Agency, 20 September 2006 Thaksin Removed in Silken Coup
  150. ↑ Interview in The Age, Melbourne, 23 September 2006
  151. ↑ The Nation, Military has until October 1', 25 September 2006
  152. ↑ National Democratic Institute, NDI Programs
  153. ↑ Short news item about Thai people supporting the coup from CNN
  154. ↑ Fox News: Thai Military Leader Pledges Elections by 2007 Day After Coup 20 September 2006
  155. ↑ Suchart Sriyaranya, Leading Thai Intellectuals :Role and Influence in the Public Sphere of Bangkok, Universität Bielefeld: Forschungsschwerpunkt Entwicklungssoziologie Working Paper No. 329, 2000
  156. ↑ The Far Eastern Economic Review, Interview with former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun on the coup, 20 September 2006
  157. ↑ 'The Nation', Our coup is different: Anand, 29 September 2006
  158. ↑ 'The Nation', Abhisit criticises, then politics banned, 21 September 2006
  159. ↑ Lateline, Tony Jones speaks with Korn Chatikavanij, 20 September 2006
  160. ↑ CNN, Coup chief cites intense conflicts, 19 September 2006
  161. ↑ New York City Network for the Defence of the People's Constitution
  162. ↑ Asian Human Rights Commission, Protests against coup in Korea & Thailand
  163. 1 2 The Nation, Activists, former MP arrested after staging protest, 20 September 2006
  164. ↑ Associated Press, Protesters Gather to Denounce Thai Coup, AP claims over 100 protesters.
  165. ↑ "Democracy", Wordpress.com, (Thai language blog), Claims 30 protesters and over 200 observers.
  166. ↑ [http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/23Sep2006_news04.php Bangkok Post, Rally draws 20 anti-coup protesters, Claims 20 protesters.
  167. ↑ The Nation, Public stages its first protest, 22 September 2006, Claims nearly 100 protesters.
  168. ↑ The Nation, Ten academic protest against coup, 23 September 2006, Claims 10 protesters
  169. ↑ CNN's states more than 100 protesters, Mybangkokpost.com
  170. ↑ The Independent, Thai students defy protest ban to demand the return of democracy, 23 September 2006
  171. ↑ The Nation, 26 September 2006 Protesters defy junta restriction
  172. ↑ The Nation Second student protest against coup
  173. ↑ The Nation, Protesters defy junta restriction, 26 September 2006
  174. ↑ The Nation, Anti-coup protesters again defy ban on assemblies, 28 September 2006
  175. ↑ The Nation, Rights protest gets little reaction, 3 October 2006
  176. ↑ The Nation, Protesters call on the junta to leave, 15 October 2006
  177. ↑ Bangkok Post, "Democracy protest passes peacefully", 11 December 2006
  178. ↑ Asia Sentinel, "Muting Thailand's Protesters", 12 December 2006
  179. ↑ The Nation, A man collides his taxi with tank, 30 September 2006
  180. ↑ Matichon Matichon Information Center
  181. ↑ The Nation, "Taxi driver who slammed his vehicle into tank found hung"
  182. ↑ The Nation, Academic sets up anti-coup petition online, 22 September 2006
  183. ↑ "Onus now on coup leaders to restore trust of the people," The Nation 20 September 2006
  184. ↑ VOA News, Thailand's Coup Leaders Say Civilian Government to Ease Media Controls, 29 September 2006
  185. ↑ The Nation, Nationalmultimedia.com, 25 September 2006
  186. ↑ The Nation, Activists to hold anti-coup gathering, 22 September 2006
  187. ↑ The Nation, Rights group calls for release of four ex-ministers, 30 September 2006
  188. ↑ Thailand Military Coup 2006: Fiction vs. Fact
  189. ↑ Bangkok Post, Human rights groups weigh in against coup, 20 September 2006
  190. ↑ Formal statement from the Association for People's Rights (สมาคมสิทธิเสรีภาพของประชาชน)
  191. ↑ The Nation, Rights protections must be upheld by Thai junta: Amnesty, 22 September 2006
  192. ↑ The Nation, CDRM called on to scrap decrees that inhibit rights, 25 September 2006
  193. ↑ Bangkok Post, Deep South: Army wants peace talks but unsure who with, 19 September 2006
  194. ↑ (Thai) Thai Rath, โจรฉวยโอกาสช่วงรัฐประหาร ยิงชาวบ้านยะลาตาย1เจ็บ1, 21 September 2006
  195. ↑ Thai Public Relations Department, policemen injured in an explosion in Pattani, 23 September 2006
  196. ↑ The Nation, 4 policemen injured in bus stop explosion in Pattani
  197. ↑ The Nation, Two die as police, military outposts attacked in Yala, but the crisis is mild like salt 27 September 2006
  198. ↑ The Irrawaddy, 2 October 2006,Gen Surayud Chulanont: Loved and Hated in Burma
  199. ↑ Khaleej Times Online (2006). Annan, world leaders urge return to democracy in Thailand. Retrieved 20 September 2006.
  200. ↑ The Nation, Moscow calls for a return to democracy in Thailand, 22 September 2006
  201. ↑ "S for S urges Hong Kong residents in Thailand to be careful", Hong Kong Government press release, 20 September 2006
  202. ↑ "Hong Kong residents reminded about situation in Thailand", Hong Kong Government press release, 20 September 2006
  203. ↑ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan), 外交部提醒近日計畫赴泰國人注意安全
  204. ↑ The Australian, Thai coup 'assault on democracy': Labor, 20 September 2006
  205. ↑ Beehive - NZ condemns Thailand coup
  206. ↑ "Laos monitoring situation in Thailand", Haveeru Daily, 20 September 2006
  207. ↑ Bangkok Post, "United States: Thai coup 'unjustified'", 21 September 2006
  208. ↑ ChannelNewAsia.com, "US reviewing aid to Thailand due to coup", 22 September 2006
  209. ↑ The Nation, US cuts off millions in military aid to Thailand, 29 September 2006
  210. ↑ People's Daily Online (2006). UN chief discourages military coup in Thailand. Retrieved 20 September 2006.
  211. ↑ Bangkok Post, UN says Thai coup violating human rights, 25 September 2006
  212. ↑ The Economist, Thailand's coup, 21 September 2006
  213. ↑ The New York Times, Thailand Reinterprets the Rules of Democracy, Again, 21 September 2006
  214. ↑ SET index falls 4.2% on 1st trading day following coup, 21 November 2006
  215. ↑ Bloomberg.com Thai Stocks Escape Rout After Coup; Thaksin-Linked Shares Slide, 21 September 2006
  216. ↑ Thai Baht Falls, Credit Ratings on Review After Military Coup, Bloomberg, 19 September 2006
  217. ↑ Bloomberg.com Thailand's Baht Rebounds as Coup May Break Political Deadlock, 21 September 2006

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