Thailand placed under martial law

Thailand placed under martial law
By admin


After six months of violent unrest, Thailand’s army has declared martial law in a surprise announcement broadcast on the military’s television channel.

The declaration comes one day after the country’s interim prime minister declined to step down, with the army branding the move necessary to “keep peace and order”.

However, it insisted the imposition of martial law does not equate to a coup.

A decline in bookings to Thailand has been reported since the start of the year, when violent protests in Bangkok and neighbouring areas surrounded the national elections.

However, protests intensified following the May 7 removal of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and a number of other cabinet ministers by Thailand’s Constitutional Court.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller service is advising travellers to the destination to “exercise a high degree of caution”.

“You should pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks,” it said. “You should follow the instructions of local authorities and avoid any protests, protest sites and political events.”

It identified the main anti-government protest sites as centres on Rachadamnoen Road near Government House and the government complex at Chaeng Watthana, both in Bangkok. A large-scale pro-government rally has been taking place in the Thawi Wattana District in the outer west of Bangkok.

“We continue to advise Australians to avoid all political protests and demonstrations. You should exercise vigilance as the security and political environment remains volatile, particularly in Bangkok and surrounding areas.”

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