PM Thailand's ousted in military coup - News Home - Muzi.com newscoverage Set Home - Public Version - Premium Version
Muzi HomeNewsSearchGalleryLibraryStarsMoviesChinastarCommunitiesMyMuzi Home | Headlines | Photos | Region | People | Time | Events | Business | Sports | Showbiz | IT | Politics | Military | Society | Education | Life | Health | Most-viewed Story | Most-viewed Coverage
na 40 Last updated: 2006-09-19 Home : Regional: Nations: Thailand Headline Politics Regional Society Newscape Political Coup Democracy Corruption Nation Thailand City Bangkok Thailand's PM ousted in military coup 2006-09-19 But he alienated the urban middle class, intellectuals and pro-democracy activists. They began mass street demonstrations late last year, charging Thaksin with abuse of power, corruption and emasculation of the country's democratic institutions, including what was once one of Asia's freest presses. Muzi.com News 10020904-20 (muzi.com) Some of Thaksin's critics wanted to jettison his policies promoting privatization, free trade agreements and CEO-style administration. Muzi.com News 10020904-21 (muzi.com) "I don't agree with the coup, but now that they've done it, I support it because Thaksin has refused to resign from his position," said Sasiprapha Chantawong, a university student. "Allowing Thaksin to carry on will ruin the country more than this. The reputation of the country may be somewhat damaged, but it's better than letting Thaksin stay in power." Muzi.com News 10020904-22 (muzi.com) He was among hundreds of people gathered at Government House taking photos and video of themselves with the
tanks. Muzi.com News 10020904-23 (muzi.com) Initially, the coup went largely unnoticed in Thailand's popular tourist districts, where foreigners packed bars and cabarets oblivious to the activity about two miles away. But word raced among street vendors hawking T-shirts who packed up their carts quickly and started heading home. Muzi.com News 10020904-24 (muzi.com) As troops secured key sites in the capital unopposed, the coup leaders declared that a Council of Administrative Reform with King Bhumibol Adulyadej as head of state had seized power in Bangkok and nearby provinces without any resistance. They did not say what reforms the council would carry out. Muzi.com News 10020904-25 (muzi.com) Early Wednesday, the coup leaders announced that the appointment of the country's four regional army commanders to keep the peace and run civil administration in their respective areas outside Bangkok. Muzi.com News 10020904-26 (muzi.com) A senior army general, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, said the chiefs of the army, navy and air force met with the king Tuesday to discuss formation of an interim government. Muzi.com News 10020904-27 (muzi.com) Bhumibol, a 78-year-old constitutional monarch with limited powers, has used his prestige to pressure opposing parties to compromise during political crises. He is credited with helping keep Thailand more stable than many of its Southeast Asian neighbors. Muzi.com News 10020904-28 (muzi.com) He is the world's longest-serving monarch and celebrated his 60th year on the throne with lavish festivities in June that were attended by royalty from around the world. Muzi.com News 10020904-29 (muzi.com) The bloodless coup was the first overt military intervention in the Thai political scene since 1991, when Suchinda Kraprayoon, a military general, toppled a civilian government in a bloodless takeover. An attempt by Suchinda to keep power led to street demonstrations, and he was ousted in 1992. Muzi.com News 10020904-30 (muzi.com) Afterward, the military promised to remain in its barracks, in contrast to earlier decades when military coups were staple a of Thai politics. Muzi.com News 10020904-31 (muzi.com) As recently as March, Sondhi, the army chief and Tuesday's coup leader, sought to ease speculation the military might join the political fray during street demonstrations against Thaksin. Muzi.com News 10020904-32 (muzi.com) "The army will not get involved in the political conflict. Political troubles should be resolved by politicians," Sondhi said then. "Military coups are a thing of the past." Muzi.com News 10020904-33 (muzi.com) ___ Muzi.com News 10020904-34 (muzi.com) Associated Press reporter Jocelyn Gecker contributed to this story.Muzi.com News 10020904-35 (muzi.com) Page: | 1 | 2 | Last
Thailand
Political Coup
ProfileNews649Gallery911Links Thailand's PM ousted in military coup (2006-09-19) CIA in middle of election-year battle (2006-09-16) British pop star Williams cancels China, India concerts (2006-09-15) Swiss giant Federer feels eye of Tiger in player's box (2006-09-11) World remembers 9-11 but many not crying (2006-09-11) Tsunami spurs interest in Asian coasts (2006-09-07) Rain, winds thin haze over Borneo cities (2006-09-07) Train to new Thai airport to open in '07 (2006-09-04) "The Queen" rules as Venice film fest hits half way (2006-09-04) Rising number of Finns contract AIDS in Thailand (2006-09-04) Thailand's smile hides multitude of sins (2006-08-23) Bangkok's excellent shopping adventure (2006-08-23) Nicolas Cage in Bangkok to film Pang brothers movie (2006-08-21) Karr treatment seen as 'brilliant move' (2006-08-21) JonBenet suspect heads to U.S. in style (2006-08-20) ASEAN rushes to create EU-style market (2006-08-20) ASEAN holds economic meet amid pressure to combat China, India (2006-08-20) China denies it is source of recent Thai, Lao bird flu outbreaks (2006-08-20) Japan to invest millions in Asia trade initiative (2006-08-19) US media machine in a frenzy over JonBenet Ramsey murder case (2006-08-18) JonBenet suspect seen deported soon (2006-08-18) US official to examine refugee issues in Asia (2006-08-18) JonBenet suspect seen deported soon (2006-08-18) More questions arise in JonBenet case (2006-08-18) Lax laws in parts of Asia aid pedophiles (2006-08-17) Related People Jiang Zemin
Zhu Rongji Colin Powell Brad Pit...