Thailand – Coup Declared and Curfew Implemented

The army chief has declared a coup to prevent further loss of life and prevent the conflict from further escalating. The Peace and Order Maintaining Command has now seized power from the caretaker government says the army chief on national television. All government agencies are to continue working normally. No weapons movements allowed. Foreign relations are not affected he added. It is the 12th military coup d’etat in Thailand since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932. Military imposes nationwide curfew in Thailand from 10pm to 5am and will be in effect until further notice. The curfew will affect tens of thousands of tourists in resort areas like Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya. Military officials have clarified that individuals traveling to and from airports will be permitted to travel during the overnight hours, despite a 2200-0500 curfew. Travelers should be prepared to show flight information at security checkpoints, which could be erected on roads to and from airports. Public transport including to and from the airport could be affected from 2000 onwards due to the nighttime curfew. Authorities said the Airport Rail Link in Bangkok will close at 2100, while the MRT Skytrain system will only operate between 0600 and 2100. Despite the coup, business operations will probably be relatively normal in the coming days. The military has instructed residents to remain calm, and ordered government officials to report for work as usual.