14 DAY TRIAL // After six months of stalemate and political turmoil, Thailand's military has announced that it seized control of the country and suspended the constitution, resulting in the nation's 19th coup in 82 years.
Thailand's army chief, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, announced the military takeover of the government in a televised statement, saying that the coup was necessary to restore stability in the country. All radio and television stations, satellite and cable, were told to halt normal programs and broadcast only army content “until told otherwise.”
“It is necessary for the Peace and Order Maintaining Command – which includes army, navy, armed forces and police – to take control of governing the country,” the head of the army said. “In order for the situation to return to normal quickly and for society to love and be at peace again ... and to reform the political, economic and social structure, the military needs to take control of power.”
According to the Guardian, Prayuth Chan-ocha made the announcement after he held a meeting with all rival political factions in an attempt to find a solution to six months of anti-government protests. The negotiations failed and no agreement was reached, so the military decided to take control of the country.
28 people were killed and more than 700 were injured since November when the political fight began with protesters calling for the removal of the Pheu Thai government.
On Thursday afternoon, hundreds of armed soldiers in military vehicles arrived at Bangkok's Army Club where the negotiations were held and took away the leader of the anti-government protests, Suthep Thaugsuban.
It is not known who else was detained, but among those invited to the meetings were the chairman of the election commission, the acting senate house speaker, the leader of the governing Pheu Thai party, the leader of the opposition Democrat Party, the leader of the anti-government protesters and the leader of the pro-government “red shirts.”
Additionally to the military takeover, the Royal Thai Army has announced a nationwide curfew from 10 pm to 5 am on Thursday. Gatherings of more than five people are banned, and those who don't comply risk one year in prison. The measures were announced by deputy army spokesman Winthai Suvaree, who also said that although the country's 2007 constitution was suspended, the senate and all courts would continue to function as usual.