Thai military bans political party meetings
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Thailand's Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) on Thursday banned political party meetings of more than five people on national television. Moreover there is also a ban on new political parties from being formed. However political parties still have the right to exist. The military also promised that civilian rule will be restored within a year. Meanwhile the military is taking hold of all duties and responsibilities of the parliament.
On Tuesday the coup leaders suspended the 1997 constitution and imposed martial law. This prompted concern over the international level. The U.S. warned on Thursday that any ban on political parties would be a 'setback' for democracy.
The army issued the following statement shown on national television:
To ensure the constitutional monarchy is functioning after reforms have been completed, the Council for Democratic Reform Under Constitutional Monarchy has ordered political parties to halt all meetings and political activities.
– Thai military spokesman
Thai citizens returned to work on Thursday ever since Tuesday's coup. Bangkok appeared to have returned to normal even though there were tanks on the streets as well as soldiers manning major traffic checkpoints.
Related news
edit- "Thai PM Thaksin ousted by coup" — Wikinews, September 19, 2006
Sources
edit- "Thaksin to take 'deserved rest'" — BBC News Online, September 21, 2006
- "Thai leaders ban political action" — BBC News Online, September 21, 2006
- "Thai leaders ban political parties" — Caymanian Compass, September 21, 2006
- "Thai military bans political meetings" — NDTV India, September 21, 2006
- "Military Allows Political Parties To Exist" — Bernama, September 21, 2006
- "U.S. warns Thailand against restricting political activities" — Xinhua, September 21, 2006
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