Thai Military Detains Ex-Cabinet Minister
Thailand’s ruling military has detained a minister in the ousted government, minutes after he denounced last week’s coup as illegitimate.Former Thai Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang (C), who had been on the run after refusing to turn himself in to the military after being summoned, is surrounded by soldiers and reporters as he is being detained after giving a talk at the Foreign Corres
Former Thai Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang (C), who had been on the run after refusing to turn himself in to the military after being summoned, is surrounded by soldiers and reporters as he is being detained after giving a talk at the Foreign Correspondent’s club.
Soldiers burst into the Foreign Correspondent’s Club of Thailand Tuesday and took former education minister Chaturon Chaisang, who had just given a talk.
In his comments to reporters, Chaturon said the coup would only worsen Thailand’s political crisis and that he was willing to face arrest.
Chaturon had technically been a fugitive since he rejected a summons by the military. Most other senior government members have already been detained.
The army seized power Thursday, saying the move was necessary to end violence, restore public order and carry out political reform.
Defying the junta, protesters on both sides of Thailand’s political divide have continued to hold small protests.
On Monday, coup leader General Prayuth Chan-Ocha said he would have no choice but to use force if the protests flare up again.
Prayuth said he aims for an election as soon as possible, but gave no timeframe for a vote.
The military released former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, although it is not clear if she is able to move freely.
The junta also allowed opposition leader Suthep Thaugsuban to be freed on bail after being charged with rebellion.
Suthep and Yingluck were among dozens of Thai politicians who were taken into custody Friday. It is not clear how many are still being held.
The coup has drawn international criticism. The U.S. Defense Department says it is canceling U.S. military exercises with Thailand and planned visits by U.S. and Thai military officials.
Thailand has been wracked by six months of political disputes and sometimes violent demonstrations. A court ordered Yingluck to step down earlier this month on charges of nepotism.
Thailand’s army has staged 12 coups in the last 80 years.
It looked like business as usual in the rest of the city, the streets and sidewalks crowded with morning commuters.
But as people go about their day, many wondered about the implications of the military coup.
The Army Chief Prayuth Chan-Ocha on Monday was formally endorsed by Thailand’s king as the head of the military council which will lead the country.
Residents had mixed reactions to his appointment.
60-year old food vendor, Puttinun Samanawiriya, was not feeling optimistic. “I don’t really have much hope because, in the end, no coups in the past have succeeded in governing the country,” said Puttinun.
35-year old company employee, Saranya Phinthurak, was willing to give the junta the benefit of the doubt. “I do have faith in Prayuth Chan-Ocha because at this minute, democracy was not able to move on from what we’ve seen. There’s both the supporting and anti-coup protests. I wish the soldiers, those in power will step in to help resolve the conflict in Thailand,” said Saranya.
Prayuth and the other military rulers will get to work on Tuesday focusing on restoring order after seven months of sometimes deadly protests.
They’ll also focus on boosting the economy, which is on the brink of recession. (VOA)
