This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-27480845
The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Thailand army declares martial law | Thailand army declares martial law |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The Thai army says that it is imposing martial law amid a political crisis "to preserve law and order". | |
| The army has also granted itself wide-ranging powers to enforce its decision. | The army has also granted itself wide-ranging powers to enforce its decision. |
| The military, which last took power in 2006, stated that the move, which gives the army control of nationwide security, was not a coup. | |
| Martial law comes after a long-running political crisis, and months of escalating tensions between the government and the opposition. | Martial law comes after a long-running political crisis, and months of escalating tensions between the government and the opposition. |
| The chief security advisor to the interim prime minister said the government had not been consulted about the army's decision. | |
| "Everything is normal except the military is responsible for all national security issues," said Paradorn Pattanatabut. | |
| 'No need to panic' | |
| Earlier this month a court ordered Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and several cabinet ministers to step down. | Earlier this month a court ordered Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and several cabinet ministers to step down. |
| Reports on social media say soldiers have taken over television stations. | Reports on social media say soldiers have taken over television stations. |
| An announcement on military-run television said that martial law had been imposed "to restore peace and order for people from all sides". | An announcement on military-run television said that martial law had been imposed "to restore peace and order for people from all sides". |
| "The public do not need to panic but can still live their lives as normal," the announcement said. | "The public do not need to panic but can still live their lives as normal," the announcement said. |
| Thailand is mired in political mayhem, with the opposition demanding that power be handed over to an unelected administration charged with rewriting the constitution. | Thailand is mired in political mayhem, with the opposition demanding that power be handed over to an unelected administration charged with rewriting the constitution. |
| The military statement was signed by army chief Prayuth Chan-Ocha, citing a 1914 law that allows it to intervene during times of crisis. | |
| It said that the move had been taken because mass rallies between political rivals "could impact the country's security and safety of the lives and properties of the public". | |
| On Monday acting Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan insisted his government would not resign, resisting pressure from anti-government protesters. | |
| Correspondents say that the deadlock in south-east Asia's second-largest economy has got worse since Ms Shinawatra dissolved the lower house of parliament in December and a court ordered her removal and the removal of nine cabinet ministers earlier in May for abuse of power. | |
| The imposition of martial law could enrage supporters of the government, especially if it is seen as amounting to a coup, correspondents say. | |
| The army has staged at least 11 coups since the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932. | |
| Are you in Thailand? What's your reaction to this ruling? You can share your views and pictures with us by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using 'Martial law' in the subject heading. | Are you in Thailand? What's your reaction to this ruling? You can share your views and pictures with us by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using 'Martial law' in the subject heading. |
| Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
| Read the terms and conditions | Read the terms and conditions |