Thailand Under Martial Law - News & Updates

If you're planning to take a vacation in the Land of Smiles, now may not be the right time. Recent reports talk of street violence, which resulted in deaths and injuries.

The army has just declared martial law in Thailand Tuesday, according to CNN. "Underscoring the instability, the army's decision to take control of the country came as a surprise to acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan," an aide told the American news source. "The army 'took this action unilaterally,' said the aide, who did not wish to be named. The person described the action as 'half a coup d'etat.'"

However, if you ask Lt. Gen. Nipat Thonglek, he would tell you that their move is no coup.

"The army aims to maintain peace, order and public safety for all groups and all parties," the army's TV channel broadcasted. "People are urged not to panic, and can carry on their business as usual."

According to General Prayuth Chan-ocha, the army simply stepped in to restore order and encourage dialogue among those on opposite sides of the political division, The Guardian noted.

"The royal Thai army intends to bring back peace and order to the beloved country of every Thai as soon as possible," Prayuth announced in a statement. "We intend to see the situation resolved quickly."

Justice minister Chaikasem Nitisiri said that even though the army had not "consulted Niwattumrong about the declaration, the caretaker government was still running the country and the army was in charge of security," The Guardian reported.

This recent development is not new to Thai citizens. They've gone through a total of 18 "actual and attempted" takeovers by the military in the past since 1932, the year Thailand instituted constitutional monarchy.

"Thailand has been gripped by off-and-on political turmoil since 2006 when the then prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, was toppled by a military coup after being accused of corruption, abuse of power and disrespect for King Bhumibol Adulyadej," The Guardian said.

Meanwhile, U.S. state department spokeswoman Jen Psaki stated that Washington is indeed "very concerned" about the escalating political troubles gripping Thailand today. "We expect the army to honor its commitment to make this a temporary action to prevent violence, and to not undermine democratic institutions," she said.