apologies if you receive this more than once...
Any other updates from Thai colleagues much appreciated. Pointers to
credible websites/blogs also helpful...
---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
Subject: <SAPA> FORUM-ASIA Update No 1 - on Military Coup in Thailand
Apologies for cross-posting !
Dear Members and Friends of SAPA,
Greetings from Bangkok. I just came back from Singapore last night. I
got the news about military coup just when I arrived at the airport at
10:30 pm. About half an hour after the military coup and declaration of
state of emergency. Thanks for the solidarity calls and message. I have
received several calls from some members and partners.
I would like to update you and share my view about the situation based on
news available in Thai English newspaper Nation - website
www.nationmultimedia.com <http://www.nationmultimedia.com/> and
discussion with some staff.
As you might have heard, there was an attempt of military coup led by
'military reformist' today. It seems (as of 00:30, Sept 20, Wednesday)
this military group has 'successfully' taken control over the government.
No news at TV.. only songs praising Thai King. As you can guess from the
statement below, it must be pro-King and anti-Thakshin military coup.
Prime Minister Thakshin is now in New York attending the UN meeting. He
declared a state of emergency when he got the news about military coup and
he tried to remove the chief-of-army from the post but seemed to fail.
According to the news, Home minister and key governmental leaders are
under military control. The military reformist group seems to be against
Thakshin's hardline policy in Southern Thailand and others.
There is no statement so far from the King so it is not clear how he will
react to it.
At the moment, I do not see any sign of bloody clash between "military
reformist' and other military group who are pro-Thakshin. There may be a
clash tonight or this morning. Nobody know at the moment. All kinds of
guessing and speculations about possible future scenarios.
I only hope the political crisis will be resolved peacefully. The
Secretariat will function tomorrow normally unless any restriction is
imposed by the military.
I will keep you informed of further development if necessary and possible.
In peace and solidarity,
Anselmo Lee
Executive Director
FORUM-ASIA Regional Secretariat
<mailto:anselmo@forum-asia.org> anselmo@forum-asia.org / Mobile +66 (0)1
868 9178
Statement from the military reformist (www.nationmultimedia.com
<http://www.nationmultimedia.com/> )
The following is the statement from the miliary reformist.
There has been social division like never before. Each side has been
trying to conquer another with all possible means and the situation tends
to intensify with growing doubts on the administration amid widespread
reported corruption.
State units and independent organisations have been politically meddled,
not able to deliver their services as specified in the Constitution.
The administration is also usually bordering on "lest majest" actions
against the revered King. Despite attempts from social units for
compromises, there is no way to end the conflicts.
The revolution body thus needs to seize power. We have no intention to
rule but to return the power to the people as soon as possible, to
preserve peace and honour the King who is the most revered to all Thais.
Anselmo Lee
Executive Director
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FORUM-ASIA Secretariat
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Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel : +66 (0)2 391 8801(ext. 502) / Fax : +66 (0)2 391 8764 / Mobile (0)1
868 9178
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<mailto:anselmo@forum-asia.org> anselmo@forum-asia.org /
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Asian Solidarity and Human Rights for All
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