CHINA CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY WORLD STUDIES

Home
Thai Military Coup: Political Turmoil Persists
From: CCCWS| 05-25-2014| By: CCCWS

On 7th May, the caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was dismissed from office after being ruled guilty of abusing power and violating the constitution. Yawning divergence between caretaker government and anti-government forces, however, still persisted concerning transfer of power and election. Political negotiations broke down because both sides stood their grounds and refused to compromise. On 22nd May, Thai military declared coup and seized power under the pretext of restoring social order and pushing ahead political reform. On 23rd, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, former Deputy Premier Nivatthamrong Boonsongpaisal and several politicians were detained, and the parliament's upper house was dissolved. The militarys interference with political affairs and martial law, curfew and rally bans have triggered anger and strong protests from the public.