Coup D’etat By Thailand's Army And The Battle For Democracy In Thailand

Coup D’etat By Thailand's Army And The Battle For Democracy In Thailand

Thailand's deposed PM reported to the new military junta of this kingdom on 23 May after the army took over the nation. While there has been an international outcry about the coup, the future seems ambiguous for Thailand.

In a bid to halt months of political turmoil, the army took over Thailand after a curfew had been imposed on this nation. While the army chief has taken over the country, there has been international condemnation of the latest attempt to stamp out democracy. The military regime which was led by General Prayut Chan-O-Cha took control and suspended the constitution of Thailand. The US, EU and the UN have condemned the coup d'etat and called for the restoration of civilian control.

The ousted PM Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan was summoned to the military facility in Bangkok. He was one of 38 people to be called to the military facility. Former premier Yingluck Shinawatra was also asked to attend.

More than 100 prominent figures from either side of the political divide were made to attend the meeting with the coup-makers at the military facility. Thailand has been the US's oldest ally in Asia. The coup d-etat will be a negative development for the US which is now demanding early elections. Several nations including India and Malaysia have advised their tourists to defer non-essential travel plans to this nation. Among the eastern nations, Japan called for the restoration of democracy in this region. It is the biggest foreign investor for Thailand.

Thailand has been known for its political turmoil of late. There has been a decade long political crisis after the coup that deposed Yingluck's elder brother Thaksin Shinawatra who was a billionaire turned politician. Shinawatra clashed with the royalist establishment and battled with them for primacy. His sister Yingluck has also had her share of political battles. The royalist camp is reported by media to be closely linked to the military.

Following the coup in 2006, the military held on to power and the bloc centered on Thaksin's family who fought on the other side. Thaksin's followers are called the Red Shirts and they had warned about the possibility of a civil war in the event of a coup. Analysts are now examining how the movement will respond.

In his address to the nation following the takeover, Prayut asked the country to remain calm so that the country can return to normal. All television and radio stations, whether domestic or global were only permitted to air steady stream of army announcements.
the junta warned it would block social media platforms that carry anti-coup content. Bangkok was calm following the second coup in 8 years. There were no tanks or troops deployed along the capital of Thailand.

The military hosted meeting between the rivals occurred as all exits were blocked by the army. Media reports indicate that Prayut took power after the compromise between the two sides failed to reach a conclusion acceptable to all.

Thailand has now witnessed over 19 actual or attempted coups since the year 1932. The royalists have also had their share of deliberations in the political development of the country. Democracy has always been a tough to achieve for this nation. Known for its political turmoil, Thailand is now facing an uncertain future again. Whether democracy is ultimately restored here remains a big question mark right now.