Thailand under martial law

After having refused to get involved in the political crisis for monthes, the Thai army decreed martial law  throughout the kingdom this Tuesday to restore order after months of anti -government protests that have left 28 people dead and hundreds wounded.

An announcement on military-run television said martial law had been invoked “to restore peace and order for people from all sides”, stressing that the move “is not a coup”.

“The public does not need to panic etpeut still live life as usual “ said he added in a statement.

Army chief Prayuth Chan- ocha already had said on Thursday , after the fatal shooting and attacks against anti- government protesters at Democracy Monument , which killed three people and wounded 22 others, the army could not not remain impassive . But this is apparently the announcement by Suthep to launch a new final battle this weekend that seemed to have decided Prayuth to intervene.

The country was heading towards a potential bloody clash between pro- government Red Shirts and anti- government protesters. Army had two choices : make a military coup or impose martial law . Prayuth has opted for the softer solution , insisting that it is not a coup.

The transitional government is still functioning but must deal with the army. This military intervention should stop the potential clashes between UDD and PDRC . But the divisions are still there and a solution to end the crisis peacefully is still to find. Will Prayuth succed in forcing each side to agree to finally put an end to the crisis in Thailand ? That is the question…