Military takes control of Thailand

Military forces in Thailand have taken control of several government buildings, and they are claiming control of the nation. Prayuth Chan-ocha, the army chief general, announced the successful coup on Thursday, May 22.

The nation has seen massive unrest among its population over the last two years. A few days before the announcement, armed forces declared martial law, but they were not taking control of government. Now, the military is describing their actions as a full-blown coup.

They have also suspended the constitution in that country, banned all political gatherings, and suspended television broadcasts.

This follows several days of negotiations, during which rival forces were unable to come to an agreement on how to run government.

Negotiators at the talks, including opposition leader Suthep Thaugsuban, were seen being escorted away from the summit by armed guards.

In one of their first directives, the military ordered a 10 p.m. curfew for all residents to be off the streets. Officials also stated tourists and diplomats will be protected by the nation’s armed forces.

In the televised statement, Prayuth said a new ruling body would be formed, run by the military. This National Peace and Order Maintaining Council will function with the upper house of Parliament and courts.

Clashes in recent months ended the rule of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. They began when the Prime Minister dissolved the lower house of Parliment late last year. This is the 19th coup in Thailand since 1932, when absolute monarchy ended. This is the 11th time military forces have been behind the overthrow of Thai government.