CNN 8:30 a.m. --Tanks rolling into BKK
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The Nation monitors the events that led to the coup as well as events after it as following:
Sept 19
8.00 am Thaksin Shinawatra calls an urgent teleconference with all armed forces' commanders at Government House, but none attends.
Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkarin, the army chief, later says the meeting is hastily called. Rumor then spread around the capital and the stock market that a coup de tat is under way.
12.00 am After finishing the webcamera teleconference with Thaksin, who is New York, several Cabinet members check with reporters if there would really be a coup.
6.30 pm The Army's special forces from Lopburi move into Bangkok. Gen Prem Tinnasulalonda, president of Privy Council, has an audience with HM the King, reportedly on a meritmaking ceremony for ML Bau Kittiyakala.
6.55 pm Thai News Agency reports that Thaksin will return to Bangkok on Thursday, instead of Friday.
8.00 pm 191 police receive M16 rifles to prepare for an antiriot assignment.
9.00 pm The Army'[s special forces from Lopburi arrive at the Army's Bangkok headquarters.
Web surfers post messages on Pantip.com asking if there is a coup de tat.
9.10 pm The armyowned TV Channel 5's mobile TV broadcast unit arrives at the Army's Bangkok headquarters.
9.30 pm TV channel 5 cancels regular programming and puts on air royallyauthored songs.
Reporters at Government House say situation is normal, but rumour was rife that deputy premier Pol Gen Chidchai Vanasatit and defence minister Gen Thammarak Isarangkun have been under custody.
Panthongthae, Thaksin's son, reportedly has left Thailand for the UK.
9.40 pm Police commandos arrive Baan Chansongra, Thaksin's residence.
10.00 pm Army tanks take position at Bangkok Makkawan Rangsan Bridge and Rajdamnern Avenue.
10.10 pm CNN reports Bangkok situation
10.20pm Thaksin declares a state of emergency via the phone from New York. He also issues two orders, transferring en Sondhi from the post of army chief to the PM's Office, and naming Gen Rungroj Mahasaranond as the officer in charge of the crisis.
11pm "The Administrative Reform Council" (ARC) issues a first statement on TV network, saying the armed forces and national police have peacefully seized control of Bangkok and surrounding areas. Soldier seize the Shinawatra Building, iTV television stationand Thaksin's residence.
11.15pm Soldiers put steel barricades at Sri Ayudha and Rajdamnoen Roads
11.50pm ARC issues the second statement explaining the reasons for the coup d'etat, citing national disunity and rampant corruption. ARC says it plans to return power quickly to the people
12.39am ARC issues third statement, nullifying the constitution, the caretaker Cabinet and the Constitutional Court.
8:00 am ARC spokesman announces Gen Sonthi will make announcement on TVs at 9 am. The spokesman also announces that TV stations can resume their normal programmes but most continue to relay signals from Channel 5 except iTV, which briefly airs its morning news programme.
8:50 am: Permanent officials and rectors of universities start arriving at the Army headquarters to report themselves to the ARC. Khunying Jaruvan Mainthaka, the auditor-general, flashes a thumb-up to reporters.
9:16 am Sonthi holds a press conference. The first part of his statement is similar to the first statement of the ARC. He says the ARC has to seize power to solve the country's problems caused by the Thaksin admnistration.
Sonthi appears on TV along with the police chief and commanders of other armed forces in the four-minute announcement.
After Sonthi finishes reading the statement, a spokeswoman announces that the TV pool is disbanded and TV stations resume normal programmes.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09 ... 014092.php
Sept 19
8.00 am Thaksin Shinawatra calls an urgent teleconference with all armed forces' commanders at Government House, but none attends.
Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkarin, the army chief, later says the meeting is hastily called. Rumor then spread around the capital and the stock market that a coup de tat is under way.
12.00 am After finishing the webcamera teleconference with Thaksin, who is New York, several Cabinet members check with reporters if there would really be a coup.
6.30 pm The Army's special forces from Lopburi move into Bangkok. Gen Prem Tinnasulalonda, president of Privy Council, has an audience with HM the King, reportedly on a meritmaking ceremony for ML Bau Kittiyakala.
6.55 pm Thai News Agency reports that Thaksin will return to Bangkok on Thursday, instead of Friday.
8.00 pm 191 police receive M16 rifles to prepare for an antiriot assignment.
9.00 pm The Army'[s special forces from Lopburi arrive at the Army's Bangkok headquarters.
Web surfers post messages on Pantip.com asking if there is a coup de tat.
9.10 pm The armyowned TV Channel 5's mobile TV broadcast unit arrives at the Army's Bangkok headquarters.
9.30 pm TV channel 5 cancels regular programming and puts on air royallyauthored songs.
Reporters at Government House say situation is normal, but rumour was rife that deputy premier Pol Gen Chidchai Vanasatit and defence minister Gen Thammarak Isarangkun have been under custody.
Panthongthae, Thaksin's son, reportedly has left Thailand for the UK.
9.40 pm Police commandos arrive Baan Chansongra, Thaksin's residence.
10.00 pm Army tanks take position at Bangkok Makkawan Rangsan Bridge and Rajdamnern Avenue.
10.10 pm CNN reports Bangkok situation
10.20pm Thaksin declares a state of emergency via the phone from New York. He also issues two orders, transferring en Sondhi from the post of army chief to the PM's Office, and naming Gen Rungroj Mahasaranond as the officer in charge of the crisis.
11pm "The Administrative Reform Council" (ARC) issues a first statement on TV network, saying the armed forces and national police have peacefully seized control of Bangkok and surrounding areas. Soldier seize the Shinawatra Building, iTV television stationand Thaksin's residence.
11.15pm Soldiers put steel barricades at Sri Ayudha and Rajdamnoen Roads
11.50pm ARC issues the second statement explaining the reasons for the coup d'etat, citing national disunity and rampant corruption. ARC says it plans to return power quickly to the people
12.39am ARC issues third statement, nullifying the constitution, the caretaker Cabinet and the Constitutional Court.
8:00 am ARC spokesman announces Gen Sonthi will make announcement on TVs at 9 am. The spokesman also announces that TV stations can resume their normal programmes but most continue to relay signals from Channel 5 except iTV, which briefly airs its morning news programme.
8:50 am: Permanent officials and rectors of universities start arriving at the Army headquarters to report themselves to the ARC. Khunying Jaruvan Mainthaka, the auditor-general, flashes a thumb-up to reporters.
9:16 am Sonthi holds a press conference. The first part of his statement is similar to the first statement of the ARC. He says the ARC has to seize power to solve the country's problems caused by the Thaksin admnistration.
Sonthi appears on TV along with the police chief and commanders of other armed forces in the four-minute announcement.
After Sonthi finishes reading the statement, a spokeswoman announces that the TV pool is disbanded and TV stations resume normal programmes.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09 ... 014092.php
THAKSIN SEEKS EXILE IN LONDON
Thaksin eyes London move While the premier is likely to fly to London from New York, his wife escapes the coup and manages to flee to Singaporen
Thaksin Shinawatra may fly from New York to London to ponder an exile there as it appears he has lost his political grip at home.
Sources said Thaksin, who has been overthrown by a military coup in 16 years, may fly to join his fam¬ily in London, where he owns a lux¬ury real estate.
As last evening's coup took shape Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, the wife of the caretaker prime minis¬ter, escaped to Singapore.
It was reported that the former Cabinet members of the Thaksin government may try to form a gov¬ernment in exile, prompting coup leader Gen Sonthi Boonyaklin to invite ambassadors and represen¬tatives of foreign countries in Bangkok for a meeting to clarify the situation.
It was not clear at press time this morning as to whether Thaksin has conceded power.
But any chances of his hope of regaining his power hinges upon a strong military backup, which he appears to have lost support.
Sources said Gen Ruengroj Mahasaranond, the supreme com¬mander, was placed in custody together with Pol Gen Chidchai Vanasatidya, deputy prime minister, as they tried to ward off the coup attempt last night.
Thaksin declared a state of emergency from New York by announcing the removal of Gen Sonthi and ordering him to answer to Chidchai at the PM's Office. He also appointed Gen Ruengroj as in charge of all security aspects in Bangkok.
But Thaksin's military support¬ers were subjugated. State televi¬sion this early morning aired a short video clip showing that Gen Sonthi with other heads of the armed forces made their way to the Chitralada Palace to brief His Majesty the King about the political situation.
It was reported that Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, the president of the Privy Council, had an audience with the King late last night as the coup was under way.
The coup effectively tore apart the 1997 Constitution, abolished the Constitution Court, dissolved Parliaments and the Cabinet.
Gen Sonthi has emerged as Thailand's most powerful magnate at the moment. Thaksin was still in New York last evening and was scheduled to give an address at the UN General Assembly to discuss the current cri¬sis in Thailand. But the event was somehow cancelled.
The ousted government's spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said from New York that Thaksin would decide soon if he would still return to Thailand.
"Prime Minister Thaksin is now in New York and he has not yet made up his mind where he will go. But he will have to make a decision soon," he said.
After cancelling his UN speech he holed up in a top New York hotel for much of the day as the coup went ahead in Bangkok.
The billionaire politician still has an official plane at his disposal. He has a private residence in London, where one of his daughters is studying.
A senior Thai official in New York said earlier that Thaksin planned to leave the United States overnight but that his destination was unknown.
A US official in Bangkok said the United States viewed the coup negatively and was keeping a close watch on the political developments in Thailand.
"We hope that the Thai society and the political actors find the way through peacefully. But, the US reacts negatively to what is hap¬pening in Thailand now," he said last night.
It is not known where Panthongtae, the family's only son, is, or whether he followed his moth¬er to Singapore last night. The whereabouts of the PM's daughters Paethongtae and Pinthongta were also not known. Pinthongta is a student in London while Paethongtae is a political science student at Chulalongkorn University.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09 ... 014094.php
Thaksin eyes London move While the premier is likely to fly to London from New York, his wife escapes the coup and manages to flee to Singaporen
Thaksin Shinawatra may fly from New York to London to ponder an exile there as it appears he has lost his political grip at home.
Sources said Thaksin, who has been overthrown by a military coup in 16 years, may fly to join his fam¬ily in London, where he owns a lux¬ury real estate.
As last evening's coup took shape Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, the wife of the caretaker prime minis¬ter, escaped to Singapore.
It was reported that the former Cabinet members of the Thaksin government may try to form a gov¬ernment in exile, prompting coup leader Gen Sonthi Boonyaklin to invite ambassadors and represen¬tatives of foreign countries in Bangkok for a meeting to clarify the situation.
It was not clear at press time this morning as to whether Thaksin has conceded power.
But any chances of his hope of regaining his power hinges upon a strong military backup, which he appears to have lost support.
Sources said Gen Ruengroj Mahasaranond, the supreme com¬mander, was placed in custody together with Pol Gen Chidchai Vanasatidya, deputy prime minister, as they tried to ward off the coup attempt last night.
Thaksin declared a state of emergency from New York by announcing the removal of Gen Sonthi and ordering him to answer to Chidchai at the PM's Office. He also appointed Gen Ruengroj as in charge of all security aspects in Bangkok.
But Thaksin's military support¬ers were subjugated. State televi¬sion this early morning aired a short video clip showing that Gen Sonthi with other heads of the armed forces made their way to the Chitralada Palace to brief His Majesty the King about the political situation.
It was reported that Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, the president of the Privy Council, had an audience with the King late last night as the coup was under way.
The coup effectively tore apart the 1997 Constitution, abolished the Constitution Court, dissolved Parliaments and the Cabinet.
Gen Sonthi has emerged as Thailand's most powerful magnate at the moment. Thaksin was still in New York last evening and was scheduled to give an address at the UN General Assembly to discuss the current cri¬sis in Thailand. But the event was somehow cancelled.
The ousted government's spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said from New York that Thaksin would decide soon if he would still return to Thailand.
"Prime Minister Thaksin is now in New York and he has not yet made up his mind where he will go. But he will have to make a decision soon," he said.
After cancelling his UN speech he holed up in a top New York hotel for much of the day as the coup went ahead in Bangkok.
The billionaire politician still has an official plane at his disposal. He has a private residence in London, where one of his daughters is studying.
A senior Thai official in New York said earlier that Thaksin planned to leave the United States overnight but that his destination was unknown.
A US official in Bangkok said the United States viewed the coup negatively and was keeping a close watch on the political developments in Thailand.
"We hope that the Thai society and the political actors find the way through peacefully. But, the US reacts negatively to what is hap¬pening in Thailand now," he said last night.
It is not known where Panthongtae, the family's only son, is, or whether he followed his moth¬er to Singapore last night. The whereabouts of the PM's daughters Paethongtae and Pinthongta were also not known. Pinthongta is a student in London while Paethongtae is a political science student at Chulalongkorn University.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09 ... 014094.php
Last edited by hogus on Wed Sep 20, 2006 12:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Thai coup strands Aussie tourists:
Australians bound for Thailand have been stranded in Singapore after their Emirates Airlines flight was diverted because of the overnight coup, but an Australian holidaying in Bangkok says tourists have little to fear.
The Emirates flight left Sydney early yesterday evening, and was due to land in Bangkok at 1am local time.
The Age (Aus.)
Australians bound for Thailand have been stranded in Singapore after their Emirates Airlines flight was diverted because of the overnight coup, but an Australian holidaying in Bangkok says tourists have little to fear.
The Emirates flight left Sydney early yesterday evening, and was due to land in Bangkok at 1am local time.
The Age (Aus.)
small update:
Gen Sondhi is asking Ministry of Foreign Affairs to REVOKE the passports of Thaksin and Potjaman
_____________________________________________________________
Hope he'll keep in mind about the 3x30-days-visa stamp regulation, if he wants to return as tourist with an UK passport perhaps
Gen Sondhi is asking Ministry of Foreign Affairs to REVOKE the passports of Thaksin and Potjaman
_____________________________________________________________
Hope he'll keep in mind about the 3x30-days-visa stamp regulation, if he wants to return as tourist with an UK passport perhaps
Thai finance minister says no longer holds post after military coup.
SINGAPORE - Thailand's Finance Minister Thanong Bidaya said on Wednesday he was no longer in the job after the armed forces seized power in the country.
"I'm sorry I'm not in a position to say anything. I am not minister any more," he told reporters in Singapore where he was attending the IMF/World Bank meetings.
"I have no more responsibilities," he said, adding he was trying to arrange a flight back to Thailand.
Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE - Thailand's Finance Minister Thanong Bidaya said on Wednesday he was no longer in the job after the armed forces seized power in the country.
"I'm sorry I'm not in a position to say anything. I am not minister any more," he told reporters in Singapore where he was attending the IMF/World Bank meetings.
"I have no more responsibilities," he said, adding he was trying to arrange a flight back to Thailand.
Channel NewsAsia
Morning events
8:00 am ARC spokesman announces Gen Sonthi will make announcement on TVs at 9 am. The spokesman also announces that TV stations can resume their normal programmes but most continue to relay signals from Channel 5 except iTV, which briefly airs its morning news programme.
8:50 am: Permanent officials and rectors of universities start arriving at the Army headquarters to report themselves to the ARC. Khunying Jaruvan Mainthaka, the auditor-general, flashes a thumb-up to reporters.
9:16 am Sonthi holds a press conference. The first part of his statement is similar to the first statement of the ARC. He says the ARC has to seize power to solve the country's problems caused by the Thaksin admnistration.
Sonthi appears on TV along with the police chief and commanders of other armed forces in the four-minute announcement.
After Sonthi finishes reading the statement, a spokeswoman announces that the TV pool is disbanded and TV stations resume normal programmes.
9:50 am A source in New York tells a radio programme that Thaksin is considering whether to go to England or not.
10:00 am Sondhi Limthongkul, a decision maker of the People's Alliance for Democracy, announces that the planned rally in the evening is cancelled. Sondhi also praises the army chief for staging the coup.
10:15 am Chamlong Srimuang, a decision maker of the PAD, passes the front of the army head office in a taxi. People give him an applaud as the taxi passes by.
10:40 am A spokesman of the AMC announces on TV pool that AMC invites students to take part in political reform. The spokesman says Gen Sonthi invites students to send suggestions on political reform to the AMC.
10:42 am A spokesman announces on TV pool that the AMC realises the problem of farmers and is considering how to help them so they should not demonstrate now.
10:45 am An AMC spokeswoman announces on TV pool that the AMC will take drastic action against any trader who hoard goods.
The spokeswoman also announces that the political gathering of more than five people is banned.
10:52 am An AMC spokesman reads an order of AMC leader Gen Sonthi for the Information and Communication Technology Ministry to check and censor any type of information dissemination that could affect the works of the AMC.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09 ... 014092.php
8:00 am ARC spokesman announces Gen Sonthi will make announcement on TVs at 9 am. The spokesman also announces that TV stations can resume their normal programmes but most continue to relay signals from Channel 5 except iTV, which briefly airs its morning news programme.
8:50 am: Permanent officials and rectors of universities start arriving at the Army headquarters to report themselves to the ARC. Khunying Jaruvan Mainthaka, the auditor-general, flashes a thumb-up to reporters.
9:16 am Sonthi holds a press conference. The first part of his statement is similar to the first statement of the ARC. He says the ARC has to seize power to solve the country's problems caused by the Thaksin admnistration.
Sonthi appears on TV along with the police chief and commanders of other armed forces in the four-minute announcement.
After Sonthi finishes reading the statement, a spokeswoman announces that the TV pool is disbanded and TV stations resume normal programmes.
9:50 am A source in New York tells a radio programme that Thaksin is considering whether to go to England or not.
10:00 am Sondhi Limthongkul, a decision maker of the People's Alliance for Democracy, announces that the planned rally in the evening is cancelled. Sondhi also praises the army chief for staging the coup.
10:15 am Chamlong Srimuang, a decision maker of the PAD, passes the front of the army head office in a taxi. People give him an applaud as the taxi passes by.
10:40 am A spokesman of the AMC announces on TV pool that AMC invites students to take part in political reform. The spokesman says Gen Sonthi invites students to send suggestions on political reform to the AMC.
10:42 am A spokesman announces on TV pool that the AMC realises the problem of farmers and is considering how to help them so they should not demonstrate now.
10:45 am An AMC spokeswoman announces on TV pool that the AMC will take drastic action against any trader who hoard goods.
The spokeswoman also announces that the political gathering of more than five people is banned.
10:52 am An AMC spokesman reads an order of AMC leader Gen Sonthi for the Information and Communication Technology Ministry to check and censor any type of information dissemination that could affect the works of the AMC.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09 ... 014092.php
Last edited by hogus on Wed Sep 20, 2006 12:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Bank of Thailand Governor reportedly accepted to become the Prime Minister
Bank of Thailand Governor MR Pridayadhorn Devakula cut short his trip to attend the International Monetary Fund/World Bank meeting in Singapore and he will arrive Bangkok at noontime. He said he agreed to accept to become Prime Minister. Nonetheless, it was expected that there would be a press conference at the Arm Force auditorium Wednesday.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakin ... d=30014106
Bank of Thailand Governor MR Pridayadhorn Devakula cut short his trip to attend the International Monetary Fund/World Bank meeting in Singapore and he will arrive Bangkok at noontime. He said he agreed to accept to become Prime Minister. Nonetheless, it was expected that there would be a press conference at the Arm Force auditorium Wednesday.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakin ... d=30014106
Last edited by hogus on Wed Sep 20, 2006 12:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
For those who wants to read the official Martial Law Act of BE 2457.
Unfortunatley it's in Thai, but may be some Missus can help with a translation.
http://www1.mod.go.th/opsd/omdweb/lawsh.htm
Unfortunatley it's in Thai, but may be some Missus can help with a translation.
http://www1.mod.go.th/opsd/omdweb/lawsh.htm
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Guess
- Deceased
- Posts: 3470
- Joined: Fri Jul 22, 2005 3:01 pm
- Location: BangSaphan. Laurasia. Sub thumb
STEVE G wrote: With no curfew, bargirls continued to serve up cold beers along Patpong, the notorious strip of go-go bars.
Iff BKK suffered a nuclear attack and you walked through the next day sprtion the latest in anti radiation suits the one thing you would guarante to hear is "Hell Willcim, sit down have some dink please"
[color=blue][size=134]Care in the community success story.[/size][/color]
ProThaksin commander accepted 'consensus'
Negotiations between top brass aligned with the Administrative Reform Council (ARC) and a proThaksinShinawatra com¬mander allowed the successful mobilisation of antiThaksin forces across the capital.
Commanders of the three military branches - including Army chief and ARC leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin - met at Army Headquarters off Rajdamnoen Avenue to discuss plans to scatter antiThaksin forces throughout Bangkok swiftly and minimise the chances of progovernment forces mounting resistance.
Coup leaders confronted Prin Suwannathat - commander of the First Infantry Division and a classmate of Thaksin during their military academy years.
They asked him: "We have a consensus for a coup. What's your stance?"
Prin reportedly replied: "It's up to all of you."
The ARC proceeded with its plan and issued a statement announcing the coup at 10pm yesterday. It informed His Majesty the King and Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda.
Unit commanders loyal to Thaksin gath¬ered at the home of Defence Minister Thamarak Isarangura to discuss possible resistance, all the while trying to negotiate with ARC leaders.
Supreme Commander General Ruengroj Mahasaranond reportedly sided initially with proThaksin forces, then switched sides.
Infantry battalions mobilised jointly from the Second Infantry Division at Prachin Buri and the elite Ninth Infantry Division at Kanchanaburi. They streamed into Bangkok within one hour.
Commandos from the Special Warfare Command - in which Sonthi served during his active career - had already entered Bangkok and were stationed at key locations.
The remaining special operations forces had been ordered on standby.
The First, Second and Third Special Operations Divisions were at three locations in Lop Buri province.
The forces that sealed off key locations - including Government House and the headquarters of the Special Branch Police - were those from the 31st Infantry Regiment (Royal Guards). Tanks and armoured per¬sonnel carriers manned checkpoints in Bangkok. Helicopters and other military "hardware" were ready for deployment.
Members of the First Cavalry Division - based in the North - has entered Bangkok and the 15th Infantry Regiment from the South is prepared to move into the capital.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09 ... 014111.php
Coup leaders moved to censor media, ban public gatherings
Coup leaders Wednesday moved to censor the media and banned public gatherings as part of measures meant to ensure public order.
Strict controls were slapped on foreign and domestic media, state television announced, that allowed the communications ministry to block" disinformation" deemed harmful to a provisional military council now in control of the country.
Security forces reportedly seized media transmission facilities.
Public gatherings of more than five people is banned, violators could be jailed for six months.
The council also outlawed stockpiling of goods by vendors, and said anyone caught raising the costs of their goods could be jailed for two years, according to the announcement.
Coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said earlier Wednesday the military had to seize power in order to unite the nation after months of political turmoil.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakin ... d=30014113
ARC announces appointments of AMC leaders
The Administrative Reform Council issues its 11th announcement to appoint members of the council as following:
1 Supreme Commander Gen Ruangroj Mahasaranon becomes chief adviser of the ARC.
2 Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin becomes chief of the ARC.
3 Navy Commander-in-Chief Adm Sathiraphan Keyanon becomes first deputy chief of ARC.
4 Air Force Commander-in-Chief ACM Chalit Pookpasuk becomes second deputy chief of ARC.
5 Police Commissioner-General Pol Lt Gen Kowit Wattana becomes third deputy chief of the ARC
6 National Security Council secretary-general Gen Winai Phatthiyakul becomes secretary-general of the ARC.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakin ... d=30014113
Negotiations between top brass aligned with the Administrative Reform Council (ARC) and a proThaksinShinawatra com¬mander allowed the successful mobilisation of antiThaksin forces across the capital.
Commanders of the three military branches - including Army chief and ARC leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin - met at Army Headquarters off Rajdamnoen Avenue to discuss plans to scatter antiThaksin forces throughout Bangkok swiftly and minimise the chances of progovernment forces mounting resistance.
Coup leaders confronted Prin Suwannathat - commander of the First Infantry Division and a classmate of Thaksin during their military academy years.
They asked him: "We have a consensus for a coup. What's your stance?"
Prin reportedly replied: "It's up to all of you."
The ARC proceeded with its plan and issued a statement announcing the coup at 10pm yesterday. It informed His Majesty the King and Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda.
Unit commanders loyal to Thaksin gath¬ered at the home of Defence Minister Thamarak Isarangura to discuss possible resistance, all the while trying to negotiate with ARC leaders.
Supreme Commander General Ruengroj Mahasaranond reportedly sided initially with proThaksin forces, then switched sides.
Infantry battalions mobilised jointly from the Second Infantry Division at Prachin Buri and the elite Ninth Infantry Division at Kanchanaburi. They streamed into Bangkok within one hour.
Commandos from the Special Warfare Command - in which Sonthi served during his active career - had already entered Bangkok and were stationed at key locations.
The remaining special operations forces had been ordered on standby.
The First, Second and Third Special Operations Divisions were at three locations in Lop Buri province.
The forces that sealed off key locations - including Government House and the headquarters of the Special Branch Police - were those from the 31st Infantry Regiment (Royal Guards). Tanks and armoured per¬sonnel carriers manned checkpoints in Bangkok. Helicopters and other military "hardware" were ready for deployment.
Members of the First Cavalry Division - based in the North - has entered Bangkok and the 15th Infantry Regiment from the South is prepared to move into the capital.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09 ... 014111.php
Coup leaders moved to censor media, ban public gatherings
Coup leaders Wednesday moved to censor the media and banned public gatherings as part of measures meant to ensure public order.
Strict controls were slapped on foreign and domestic media, state television announced, that allowed the communications ministry to block" disinformation" deemed harmful to a provisional military council now in control of the country.
Security forces reportedly seized media transmission facilities.
Public gatherings of more than five people is banned, violators could be jailed for six months.
The council also outlawed stockpiling of goods by vendors, and said anyone caught raising the costs of their goods could be jailed for two years, according to the announcement.
Coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said earlier Wednesday the military had to seize power in order to unite the nation after months of political turmoil.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakin ... d=30014113
ARC announces appointments of AMC leaders
The Administrative Reform Council issues its 11th announcement to appoint members of the council as following:
1 Supreme Commander Gen Ruangroj Mahasaranon becomes chief adviser of the ARC.
2 Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin becomes chief of the ARC.
3 Navy Commander-in-Chief Adm Sathiraphan Keyanon becomes first deputy chief of ARC.
4 Air Force Commander-in-Chief ACM Chalit Pookpasuk becomes second deputy chief of ARC.
5 Police Commissioner-General Pol Lt Gen Kowit Wattana becomes third deputy chief of the ARC
6 National Security Council secretary-general Gen Winai Phatthiyakul becomes secretary-general of the ARC.
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakin ... d=30014113