Thailand's military has stepped in to declare martial law across the country after months of political unrest and protest. Military spokesmen made sure to state very clearly that the declaration of martial law was not a coup, something that last happened in 2006 with the ouster of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The military has curbed press freedoms, though it has allowed for the anti-government and pro-government protesters to continue their activities, to the surprise of many.
The effects have, for the most part, been docile: aside from the closing of several news outlets, there were no school or shop closures, and the Thai stock market continued trading. However, under martial law, the military maintains power to detain civilians, ban public gatherings, impose curfews, and conduct searches without warrants.
The last time the military intervened and overthrew the government, the same ruling party was in power.
The imposition of martial law comes after six months of anti-government protests forced the government to a standstill. The protests focused on an amnesty bill proposed in the government that would grant pardons to many members of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's government, including Thaksin himself.
Thaksin was ousted by the military in 2006 due to multiple allegations of corruption, press hampering, tax evasion, and various other charges of acts unbecoming a head of state.
The Thai Supreme Court sentenced Thaksin in absentia to two years in prison, though he has yet to return to the country.
Thaksin's followers, known as the 'Red Shirts,' are largely from rural areas and those who most benefitted from his policies, as he created universal healthcare in Thailand, allowing for those in poorer rural areas to have access to basic medical care.
As of now, there is no indication that the military has extended its power to obtain de facto control over the government; instead, the head of the Thai military, General Prayuth Chan-Ocha, has stated that elections will come as soon as he can bring the two opposing sides to reach a governance agreement.
Tourism and commercial life in Thailand has remained consistent with the pre-martial law state of affairs, though since the anti-government protests began, tourism has dropped approximately 17%. It is unclear how the situation on the ground will change given the ongoing pro- and anti-government protests.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
