[88] The government abstained from the use of excessive force, relying on batons, water cannons, and tear gas instead.[81]. Several universities and organisations issued statements condemning the bill. Police General Wichian Photphosri, then Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), was appointed as the NSC Secretary General instead, and Police General Priewpan Damapong, elder brother of Thaksin's former wife Potjaman Shinawatra, was appointed as the new RTP Commissioner General. [84], After the King's Birthday, Suthep called for protesters to take to the streets and march to Government House on 9 December in a "final battle". Why is Thailand’s Political Crisis Relevant? However, if the Constitutional Court ruled against Yinluck, Suthep called for an immediate mass mobilisation so that he could assume the role of "sovereign body" to enact a new charter, akin to the military dictators of the 1960s. John Sager May 14, 2013 … OHCHR calls on leaders of both sides and security forces to ensure the safety of those genuinely engaging in peaceful demonstrations, and to make sure that all sides strictly comply with the law. Our country can't function like this." Prasit spoke on one of the PDRC protest stages, confirming that he had spoken with other farmer leaders from the western, lower northern, and upper central regions in regard to escalating the protest action. [120] Journalist Andrew MacGregor Marshall expressed his belief that, "They [PDRC] know that they cannot win the February elections, so they will do all they can to prevent the polls from taking place", concluding that, "the prognosis for Thailand is depressingly bleak. What's damaging is perceptions, investment and tourism. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. He added that this might be a good chance for everyone to co-operate on reform before election. In Bangkok, a rally on 23 February occurred outside a large shopping mall on Ratchadamri Road and it was reported that the explosion of a 40mm grenade caused the death of three people, two children and a woman. Over 5,000 coordinators and activists under the leadership of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) heard speeches by UDD chairwoman Thida Thawornseth, who spoke of preparations in the event that the military took power from the Yingluck government. It is therefore reasonable to believe that the acts of the Respondent were not for the sake of the Nation and its people, but were done with a concealed or hidden intention to favour the Respondent herself or her partisans. Somachai said, "I am afraid that if the election goes ahead, there will be violence and it may lead to a coup". Green Revolution 2013, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The government would therefore like to implore those intent on using violence to think again. An army spokesman stated that soldiers would protect all polling stations, but explained that force would not be employed to end conflict between voters and anti-government protesters. [160][161][162], According to the EC, the final turnout for 2 February elections—counted from 68 provinces and excluding the nine provinces where voting was cancelled—was 47.72 percent, or 20,530,359 voters (voting was closed prior to the 15:00 cut-off time in some areas of these provinces). Suthep and eight other Democrat members of parliament resigned from their positions to lead demonstrations, calling for the general populace to strike and undertake civil disobedience. The Red Shirt leader warned that any attempt by the Supreme Court and the Senate to discuss "unlawful" demands for an interim government could steer Thailand toward a civil war. It was caused by what’s being described as a student-led protest against the current administration and the monarchy. After the shooting, protesters attacked the suspected gunman who turned out to be a police officer. [2], The court found that both the proceedings of the amendment and the contents of the new version were unconstitutional. The court ordered the OPM to transfer Thawin back to his former office within 45 days. [193], The ombudsman also sought to have the general election of 2 February 2014 invalidated following advice from Thammasat University journalism law lecturer Kittipong Kamolthammawong. [49][50] At the same time, the International Court of Justice confirmed Cambodia's sovereignty over disputed territory near the Preah Vihear Temple, prompting fears of further political tension from analysts, although the border remained calm. The court decided that the transfer of Thawin involved her personal interest, saying:[232]. He explained further that the government remained open to discussions with protesters. Thailand is currently in a political mess. Protesters resisted police orders by sitting down on the road and praying. If the demonstration is peaceful and lawful, it can go ahead. Thailand’s political unrest is more than a showdown between “red shirts” and “yellow shirts.”. The first king of a unified Thailand was the founder of the Kingdom of Sukhothai, King Sri Indraditya, in 1238. The antigovernment movement is greatly supported by urbanized middle-class citizens and established elites in southern Thailand. The money will be dispensed as a loan to the government, which will use the revenue from rice sales to repay the amount by 31 May 2014. The amendment is thus an effort of its initiators to regain the national government power by the means not recognised by the Constitution [...], Chulalongkorn University Dean of Law Nantawat Boramanand viewed the statement as an expression of disapproval towards the Pheu Thai-dominated House. Chalerm's statements followed a post by Yingluck on her Facebook page that indicated an openness to the involvement of a third-party broker to help resolve the political conflict. Although Lieutenant General Amnart confirmed that police would ensure the safety of those responsible for delivering the ballots, as of 1 January ballot papers stuck at post offices in Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat's Thung Song District, and Songkhla's Hat Yai District were unable to reach southern polling stations. [173] The Puea Thai Party filed a counter-request in response to the Democrat Party on 5 February, seeking the dissolution and disfranchisement of the latter's executives on the grounds of section 68. [231] The court rendered its decision on 7 May 2014, stating that Yingluck could still be removed from office as her office exists until a new council of ministers is formed. [180][181] As the police continued to reclaim five protest sites, the situation deteriorated into violence at the Phan Fah Bridge protest site on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue. Fashion Revolution is a global movement calling for greater transparency and sustainability in the fashion industry. The meeting unanimously decided to seek such a decree. Following news of the shooting, Suthep remained adamant regarding Operation Occupy Bangkok, stating "We will keep fighting until we win". 219. In 2013, Thailand welcomed over 26.7 million visitors, while its capital city, Bangkok, was declared as the world’s number one travel destination by the Global Destination Cities Index. "[132], On 27 January 2014, the caretaker Labour Minister (who was also the Director of the CMPO), Chalerm Yoobamrung, announced that protesters hindering access to government buildings would be arrested if they did not leave their positions within 72 hours. Fair Observer uses these aggregate statistics from website visits to help improve the content of the website and to provide regular reports to our current and future donors and funding organizations. Phibun brought Thailand into the new Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) in 1954. [241][242][243][244], Meanwhile, those led by Luang Phu Buddha Issara went to CMPO headquarters, where violence erupted between protesters and police. Thailand in 2014: A Democracy Endangered by Juristocracy. [94], On 27 December 2013, Thailand's army chief General Prayut Chan-o-cha released a statement to the media in which he did not rule out the possibility of a military coup, stating: "Whether it is going to happen, time will tell. [146] Second, the constitution required at least 475 filled seats, or 95 percent of the total number of seats, and disruptions caused by protesters meant that this target could not be reached. The speech was telecast nationwide by the Television Pool of Thailand. The caretaker prime minister received a summons to face the Commission's charges on 27 February 2014, and her impeachment and removal from official duties is one potential outcome. [97] At a press conference held on the same day, pro-government leader Jatuporn Promphan launched a new campaign to defend Bangkok against the protesters, whom he called "the elite's network". EC chairman Supachai Somcharoen stated that the EC and its legal advisers would carefully examine the constitution to handle the matter, but also explained, "There are several factors that could invalidate the poll. The case dates back to mid-January 2014 and, if the case is taken to court, Yingluck would be required to step down from all official roles. ", "No one blameless as Thailand faces civil unrest", "The current mob leader seeks to divert attention from his own crimes", "Protesters in Thailand Try a Civilian Coup D'état", "Thaksin Shinawatra and Thailand's New Conflict", Constitutional Court Decision No. Pichit Tamoon, Chiang Mai general secretary for the UDD, said: "We have police forces on our side and together with the northeast we have the backing of 37 [out of 77] provinces. While international media has recently focused on violent unrest in Ukraine and Venezuela, the fragile political situation in Thailand since November 2013 has also become increasingly violent. "[104] Also on 6 January, Yingluck confirmed that an emergency decree was a last resort. The transfer was not done for the purpose of allowing Priewpan to become the new RTP Commissioner General. The Iranian Revolution placed nationalist, Islamic values at the center of government and society and became yet another example of modern, revolutionary change. The transfer was not interference, but the usual exercise of authority which she is legally empowered to exercise. [206] Another group launched a campaign called "Respect My Vote" in front of Lord Rattanathibet's Mansion, the Constitutional Court's former seat, with a view to demanding the resignation of the Constitutional Court judges on the grounds that they "devalued the people's votes". In this speech he explained the plan for the protest action on 13 January, in which he said that he does not "...want Thailand to become a failed state." The twentieth century was an age of revolution in much of Asia. [222], On 29 March 2014, a group of anti-government protesters from the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) were led by Suthep on a march around Bangkok streets, from Lumpini Park to the Royal Plaza and parliament. The court ruled that the final draft voted on by the National Assembly was not the same as the one originally considered, and the new draft was brought to the sessions without an introductory motion. The monk demanded that the GLO use lottery sale funds to purchase 100 tonnes of rice from farmers and stated that the Office needs to pay the farmers at least THB12,000 for each tonne of rice. [107], On 9 January 2014, Yingluck expressed concern about the possibility of third-party involvement on 13 January, explaining that the CAPO will be monitoring the situation from the National Police Bureau office. [139], Despite an announcement by the PDRC that they would not hinder the election process,[140] advance voting did not take place in 87 constituencies, mostly in Bangkok and the south of Thailand. Following a three-hour meeting at the Army Club, caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana informed the media that the polling date remained unchanged. A ruling was expected on 12 February 2014. Police deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse them. "[176] In response to the reporter's question, "But why must the government step down when it was legitimately elected with the votes of 16 million people? At Kasetsart University, 1,000 citizens and students were cited: We, Thai citizens who trust in peace and democracy, would like to use our votes according to the constitution and request the all groups to discuss and compromise to prevent violence. [14] Political parties allied to Thaksin had won a majority in every election since 2001. The committee passed a revised draft of the bill on 18 October 2013. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. Of a total of 2.16 million people registered for advance voting nationwide, 916,210 of them in Bangkok, around 440,000 people were prevented from voting. [155], Although Suthep repeatedly claimed that his cause is peaceful and "without weapons", photos and videos of the clash clearly showed protesters wearing the green armband of the PDRC guard with assault rifles. Jatuporn explained that pro-government forces will "fight under peaceful principles" and that further announcements would be made. Gunshots were fired at the students, resulting in four deaths and fifty-seven people wounded. Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. 186/1 Moo 1, Old Railway, Samrong Tai, Phrapradeang, Samutprakarn 10130. on google map ", "How the Urban-Rural Divide Became a Street War in Bangkok", "Centralised governance the root of Thailand's woes", "Centralisation of power 'behind social ills, "Thai princess uses social media to 'declare war': Photos posted by Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol widely interpreted as a sign of her support for anti-government protesters", "The Antidemocratic Roots of the Thai Protesters", "Powerful forces revealed behind Thai protest movement", "Status City: Consumption, Identity, and Middle Class Culture in Contemporary Bangkok", "How Thailand's Middle Class Rage Threatens Democracy", "Thailand: anti-Thaksin protesters set new targets after amnesty bill defeat", "Thai prime minister dissolves parliament", "Thai court rules general election invalid", "Yingluck, 9 ministers removed from office", "Experts Decry 'Judicial Coup' Against Yingluck", "Thai PM removed by judicial coup: What now? [166] Additionally, National Security Council (NSC) Secretary Lieutenant General Paradon Patanatabutr informed the media that 12 teams were formed to enforce the arrest warrants for the 19 PDRC core leaders. He said the government will pay the remainder of the debt through the state-owned agricultural bank: "Considering the (bank's) capacity in handling daily payments, it is expected that all payments will be made within six to eight weeks."[258]. Two persons, one of them a police officer, were killed. [93] Protesters armed themselves with sling shots and wore gas masks to fight with police, and around 200 people were injured overall. Chaeng Watthana is the only other remaining rally stage, overseen by a senior monk who said: "I will not dismantle or move it [the stage] anywhere" following Suthep's announcement. [201], Political analyst Kan Yuenyong said, "independent agencies are being quite obvious that they want to remove her [Yingluck] and her entire cabinet to create a power vacuum, claim that elections can't be held and then nominate a prime minister of their choice". [59][60][61], The Pheu Thai Party rejected the decision, claiming that the court had no jurisdiction over the case,[62] earning the Constitutional Court the nickname "San Khrai Fang" (ศาลใครฟัง; "court heeded by no one"). We do not believe that we are yet at that point". [99] In a speech at the Democracy Monument on the evening of 4 January, Suthep announced that all of Yingluck's assets would be seized following the defeat of the "Thaksin regime". Election commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn stated that the EC would organise the 2 February vote to the best of its ability, including the enactment of measures to prevent violence and the staging of a second round of elections to accommodate voters hindered during the inaugural voting stage. [37][38], The government of Yingluck came to power in the 2011 elections, in which her Pheu Thai Party won an outright majority. The uncertain political future of Thailand — a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) — will inadvertently have an impact on the effectiveness of this integrative policy. The coup was headed … [101] On the same day, caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck stated on her Facebook page that an election is the best way for the political conflict to be resolved, "If you don't want the government to return to power, you have to fight us in the election. The candidates to the office were not selected by her. Owners of damaged vehicles and motorcycles would also receive financial aid. The army's other key responsibilities involved providing medical aid in areas close to protest sites, as well as traffic co-ordination duties. The Senate subsequently voted on the bill on 11 November 2013, unanimously rejecting it. ", "One killed as 'V-Day' eve violence erupts", "Govt Slams Suthep's Call For Royal Intervention", "Thailand clashes: PM forced to flee as violent demonstrations escalate", "Thai protesters step up action, PM forced to leave building", "Thailand police fend off mass protests in Bangkok", "Thai Security Chief claims protesters have not seized state buildings", "Suthep gives PM ultimatum before military leaders", "Thai PM flees police compound as protesters launch 'people's coup'; at least four dead", "DDoS attacks corresponding to protests in Thailand", "Thai PM Urges Protesters to Take Part in Election", "Thai Protesters Storm Army Headquarters", "Thai opposition party to boycott election", "Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters march in Bangkok", "Protesters gather across Thai capital, demand PM resigns", "Suthep: Protesters to block EC registration", "Thai Army Chief Urges Calm, Doesn't Rule out Coup", "Thai election body urges delay in polls amid clash", "53 political parties contesting in the Feb 2 polls", "Protest leader Suthep declares Bangkok seizure after New Year", "Protest leader Suthep details January 13 strategy", "CAPO to use combined forces against capital shutdown", "Suthep threatens to seize Yingluck's assets", "Vote against me if you want me out: caretaker PM", "Red shirts harass PDRC protesters in Chiang Mai", "Thailand's Seemingly Intractable Political Woes", "Redshirts Meet To Discuss Anti-Coup Campaign", "3 Universities light candles of peace to stop Bangkok from shutting down", "Caretaker PM Yingluck warns of third party interference", "นิสิตนักศึกษา จุดเทียนเพื่อสันติภาพ หนุนเลือกตั้ง", "Abhisit says bomb attack was well organized", "Grenade Explosion During Bangkok Protests Leaves Dozens Injured", "More bombings and gunfire rock anti-government protests", "Protesters march in Bangkok despite deadly blast", "38 protesters injured in bomb attack against Suthep's procession", "Opinion: Prognosis for divided Thailand bleak, but why? [229], On 3 April 2014, the Constitutional Court agreed to address the case and ordered Yingluck to reply within 15 days. Anti-government protestors argued the bill, and a simultaneous government attempt to alter the 2007 constitution, favoured Thaksin and would potentially allow him to return from self-imposed exile due to a corruption conviction. The commissioner stated: What must be urgently done is to reduce the stance of wanting to arrest PDRC leaders because if such a strong stance continues, the problem would reach a dead end. [44] The bill, which in its original form was aimed to absolve civilian protesters, excluding protest and government leaders and the military, was drastically expanded into a "blanket amnesty", covering the period from 2004 to 2013. Thailand has arguably had the most volatile history of democracy in Southeast Asia. [153], As a consequence of the violence, the EC suspended Sunday voting in the Lak Si District. The police announced that a further 190,000 officers would be deployed throughout the nation, with an emphasis on Bangkok and Thailand's ten southern provinces. Faced with strong opposition, Yingluck issued a statement, urging the Senate to contemplate the bill with the interests of the people in mind. Your donation is tax-deductible. This page was last edited on 4 March 2021, at 20:47. said on 11 February that the NACC expects to press charges against the caretaker Prime Minister. [226], Over two years prior, on 30 September 2011, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) transferred Thawin Pliansri from the office of Secretary General of the National Security Council (NSC) to the office of Prime Minister Advisor. [30] The PDRC insisted that the prime minister stand down within 24 hours, regardless of her actions. [7] On 21 August 2014 army chief General Prayut Chan-o-cha was appointed prime minister by a legislature he had handpicked. An EC commissioner explained to the media that a total of 93,305 polling stations were being set up nationwide, but staff shortages were worst in the southern provinces, where 90 percent of polling stations were insufficiently staffed. [7], In February 2021, government ministers Puttipong Punnakanta, Nataphol Teepsuwan and Thaworn Senniam were found guilty of insurrection during protests that led to the 2014 coup d'état. In relation to the Thai financial situation, analysts Dan Fineman and Siriporn Sothikul further explained: "For the broader market, a rebound is unlikely until investors are comfortable that the situation will not deteriorate further. [117] The Metropolitan Police Bureau said that video clips examined by police showed two men acting in a suspicious manner. [236], Tight security was placed around court precincts during the televised pronouncement of the decision and the judges left the court immediately after the pronouncement. According to Phra Prat, he saw protesters assaulting another man, so he complained to the protesters. The outcome of two events were presented as critical to the course of Suthep's future actions: the NACC's ruling on Yingluck and the verdict by the Constitutional Court on whether Yinluck violated the 2007 Constitution. In total, 48.7 million Thai citizens were eligible to vote for 500 seats in the lower house of parliament that represented 375 constituencies. Deputy Prime Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana responded to the statement on behalf of the government, "February 2, 2014, was set as the election date in the royal decree dissolving Parliament, and there is nothing within the constitution or the law that gives the government the authority to change this date." On 4 November 2013, several protests took place in Bangkok, as well as in several provincial cities. [87] Meanwhile, supporters of the NSPRT claimed the seizure of army headquarters, demanding that the military join the protests. Following the dissolution of parliament on 9 December 2013, Yingluck and her Cabinet neglected to approve a renewed budget for the rice pledge. Additionally, a number of farmers from the Central provinces might travel to Bangkok and demand payment in front of the Commerce Ministry on 6 February. The PDRC estimated that 3.5 million people participated in the march on 22 December, while security forces claimed that approximately 270,000 protesters joined the rally. "[85], Yingluck survived a no-confidence vote in the House of Representatives on 28 November 2013. "[271][272], On 27 January 2014, the Erawan Center, an emergency medical service unit of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), announced that 10 deaths had occurred during the anti-government protests, while 571 injuries had been documented. [281], Democrat Party's unsuccessful request for election invalidation, Ombudsman's request for election invalidation, Request for removal of Yingluck from office, United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Constitutional Court Decision No. For Thailand, June 24 this year marked the 85th anniversary of the 1932 revolution that ended the absolute monarchy. [266] A chief Japanese trader on emerging Asian markets told Bloomberg News: "There is no reason to buy the baht or Thai assets while the protests continue. ", "Thai crisis: Severe impact on economy, bourse", "SIA to cancel 19 flights as travellers avoid Bangkok", "Thailand's political pain is neighbors' economic gain", "Anti-government protest death toll now rises to 10 deaths, 571 injured", "Thai tourism, retailers paying the price for drawn-out unrest", "No luck for Yingluck as Thai elections nullified", "Thai Coup Risks Clashes as Thaksin Camp Better Organized", "Is troubled Thailand tumbling into civil war? A group of armed PDRC supporters started a gunfight[150][151][152] and numerous gunshots were exchanged, leaving at least six people injured. "[121], That afternoon, another bombing attack occurred in which 28 people were injured at the Victory Monument anti-government protest rally site. They dissolved the House and announced a caretaker government. "[149], On the eve of the election date, violence erupted again in Bangkok after PDRC demonstrators blocked the delivery of ballot boxes from the Lak Si District office in northern Bangkok. It's a matter of how we can cooperate so that Thailand moves forward and protesters are satisfied. In the polling booths, voters chose both one candidate and a single political party, while in the 22 constituencies that consisted of only a single candidate, more than 20 percent of the eligible votes must be received to achieve success. [81] Suthep later unilaterally announced that he had met with Prime Minister Yingluck to deliver an ultimatum "to return power to people" within two days. It's all reversible at the moment, but as time goes by some of it will become permanent. Thailand is the size of Texas and is located between Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. The commissioner was accused of "dishonestly exercising or omitting to exercise any of his duties". [250], On the evening of 22 May 2014, the army formally staged a coup against the caretaker government and formed a junta called National Peace and Order Maintaining Council (NPOMC) to govern the country. According to PDRC spokesman Akanat Promphan, two further pre-shutdown marches were scheduled for 7 and 9 January. [147], On 31 January 2014, the EC realised that 44,000 more election officials would be needed on polling day, including 4,000 people to oversee voting booths in the Thai capital. [136], On 4 February 2014, the Democrat Party forwarded a request to the Constitutional Court for the invalidation of the election, as well as the dissolution of the Puea Thai Party and the disfranchisement of its executives. [207] Ceremonies were held in Benchasiri Park, Bangkok, featuring floating black balloons and black candles, to bid farewell to democracy and deplore the court. The PDRC relocated to Lumphini Park, marking the end of the "Bangkok Shutdown", where the PDRC rally stage was established. Ayutthaya as an island is formed by the gathering of three rivers, the Chao Phraya, the Pasak, and the Loburi and surrounded by rice terraces. At 20:00 that evening, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Erawan Emergency Medical Services Centre reported that thirty-eight casualties had been received. The EC stated that the election should proceed legitimately in more than 66 provinces, with a second opportunity offered on 2 March for those constituencies that were unable to vote. Police responded with live ammunition, then retreated. [195][199] Chulalongkorn University political science lecturer Pornson Liengboonlertchai added that a law is deemed unconstitutional when its contents are contrary to the constitution, not when it is prevented from being implemented according to the constitution. About 2,700 unarmed soldiers were called in to support the police. 2.2 Value-Added Composition of Manufacturing, Thailand and the Republic of Korea, 1990–2013 11 2.3 The Trend of Revealed Comparative Advantage, Selected Economies, 1980–2013 13 2.4 Trend of Thailand’s Revealed Comparative Advantage of SITC 7 Exports, 1980–2013 14 [240] The pro-government Red Shirt faction leaders described the decision as a "judicial coup" and said they will hold a mass rally to protest her removal on 10 May 2014,[240] prompting the Constitutional Court to order its own holiday from 8–13 May 2014.[237]. On 8 December 2013, all 153 opposition Democrat Party MPs resigned and Yingluck dissolved the House of Representatives, calling a snap general election for 2 February. [256] On the evening of 14 February, farmer leader Dhaicharn Mata warned Yingluck that the consequences will be "unpredictable and uncontrollable" if the farmers demands are not met. [71] On the night of 1 December, violence erupted between anti-government Ramkhamhaeng University students and Red Shirt government supporters near Rajamangala Stadium. Assistant national police chief Amnart Unartngarm stated that its 200,000 police officers, plus 1,450 rapid-deployment units, would guard 93,535 polling stations in 76 provinces plus Bangkok. Police refrained from taking action after a group of demonstrators returned to an intact protest site near Government House. At a deeper level, the current stalemate has only further polarized Thai society and deepened the divide between north and south Thailand. Supporters said that they were prepared for Yingluck to relocate the capital to Chiang Mai, with Supon Fumuljaroen, vice-chairman of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) in Chiang Mai Province, stating, "The majority of red-shirts really like the idea of a separate state. It said 36 branches announced full day closure, including three Bangkok Bank branches, 17 Krungthai branches and five Siam Commercial branches, while 99 others closed ahead of regular business hours, including 72 Thai Military branches and 10 CIMB branches. About 1,000 protesters then gathered outside Bangkok police headquarters following the operation.