Army declares Martial Law in Thailand

Thailand is not the place to protest any more. Earlier today the army declared martial law nationwide to preserve law and order. The country has been rocked by heavy protests in the last half of year.

The surprise announcement was made by military officials at 3 A.M local time on TV and not even government officials were not informed before. Troops started patrolling the streets of the capital city, Bangkok. Violent protests that caused damages and left a few people dead, made army officials take the decision.

“I'm asking all those activist groups to stop all activities and cooperate with us in seeking a way out of the crisis. We are concerned this violence could harm the country's security in general. Then, in order to restore law and order to the country, we have declared martial law,” was the official announcement made by Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha.

The government will still function normally and everything else except for national security is now controlled by the Thai Army. Both pro and anti government activists are camped in different places of Bangkok, so the army sent out multiple troops to ensure security. An army spokesman said this will be a normal view in the city streets.

Military officials also announced that their mission is just to restore peace and order. “The public do not need to panic but can still live their lives as normal.”

Tens of people have died and hundreds were injured in the last six months in Thailand. The country was struck by heavy anti-government protests.