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Bangkok Coup Videos

Posted by Lance Powers

It would appear that Thailand has fallen under a monarch sanctioned military coup around 11:00 PM last night. Apparently Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra decided to sack one of his top generals during a video conference as the PM was getting ready to address the UN security council in New York. Woooops.

As of today there are tanks rolling around my neighbourhood and martial law has been declared for the next couple of days. The radio is reporting that curfew is set at 9:00 PM and groups of 5 or more civilians loitering outside is not allowed. The media blackout was lifted a few hours ago.

I found this software a life saver for getting CNN during the day.

Most foreign embassies are advising its citizens in Thailand to avoid areas of Bangkok where government buildings are located. Although it is peaceful so far I think that’s not a bad suggestion.

Today was the lightest traffic on the roads I think I have ever seen in Bangkok. The highlight of my day was driving through a military checkpoint and finally getting to use the classic line 'these are not the droids you’re looking for'.

All funnies aside I really hope things get back to normal soon and democracy is restored. Public elections should still be slated for November and the way I understand it an interim government will be put in place until that time. In the past the Thai military has been pretty quick to jump the gun but have always returned power back to the people.

The video below was shot by me about a 10 minute walk from MBK, the major downtown shopping mall. There are many road blocks like this around the city.

Here is a video of the formal address to the nation by the coup leaders with some english subtitles.

This is CNN's video from last night when the story first broke (this was blacked out in Thailand).

Youtube 0wnz media blackouts!

Posted Sep 20, 2006 at 07:14 PM | Permalink |