Coup leader summons Thai politicians
BANGKOK (AFP) — Thailand’s new military junta summoned the kingdom’s ousted government leaders yesterday and banned them from leaving the country, following a coup that has provoked an international outcry.
owing to halt months of political bloodshed, coup makers led by the tough-talking army chief declared a nationwide night-time curfew and ordered masses of rival demonstrators off the streets.
ormer prime minister ingluck Shinawatra, who was removed from office in a controversial court ruling earlier this month, arrived at an army facility in angkok in her private bullet-proof vehicle after a summons from the military regime.
Dozens of prominent figures from both sides of the political divide, including ingluck s successor Niwattumrong oonsongpaisan, were ordered to show up. It was unclear what awaited them.
The army said 155 prominent figures, including the ousted government leaders, were banned from leaving the country without permission.
The military regime headed by eneral rayut han - ha suspended most of the constitution, drawing rebukes from ashington, urope and UN chief an i-moon, who all called for civilian control to be restored.
US Secretary of State ohn erry said there was “no justification” for a coup that would have “negative implications” for US relations, and demanded early elections. The entagon said it was reviewing military cooperation with America s oldest ally in Asia.
Southeast Asian neighbors urged caution, with
he Philippine government said it will support any resolution that will uphold the rule of law and preserve the peace and harmony in hailand. e note the latest developments in hailand. he Philippines hopes for an early return to normalcy consistent with democratic principles, the rule of law and the will and interest of the hai people, epartment of oreign f fairs spokesman Charles ose said yesterday.
– Pia Lee Brago
alaysia warning its nationals to defer non-essential travel to Thailand.
apan, Thailand s biggest foreign investor, stopped short of a travel warning but called for a “prompt restoration of a democratic political system,” as Toyota and Honda curtailed night-time shifts at their Thai plants because of the curfew.