Thailand: what is martial law ?
The Thai army declared martial law in Thailand, early yesterday morning, in order to restore order and prevent violence while pro-government Red Shirts and PDRC, seeking to oust the government team for months, seemed to be preparing for confrontation. But martial law, what is it exactly ?
Martial law in Thailand gives military the power to:
- Take action against war or riots
- Use arms to suppress unrest
- Search, confiscate or occupy any premises or vehicles
- Censor information
- Block, search and control postal services
- Activate the military court to judge on crimes within the area under martial law
- Mobilise civilians to help the military
- Procure resources such as vehicles or logistical materials to support military operations;
- Prohibit public gatherings, publications, broadcasting, transport, communication, travel, the movement of people or any action that the Defence Ministry deems necessary
- Enforce curfews
- Destroy, remove or adjust any premise or location for the purpose of military operations
- Arrest and detain suspects for a maximum of seven days
- People are not entitled to any compensation for damage incurred during such military operations
Martial law can only be lifted by a royal decree. In the current situation no curfew is expected and tourists can move freely and visit Thailand with no difficulty. The military presence is seen in the capital but causes no interference. The question is: how long will the country remain under that regime thar in fact puts democracy aside ?
