SPITZWELL a year in Thailand

My old pal from Harvard dayz braved some coup delays in Bangkok to make her way to Chiang Mai for a four day visit so we have been busy having fun and adventure with her. It’s surreal that life continues largely as is on the surface of things notwithstanding the military takeover. I am mindful […]

This article by the Economist indicates that the Thailand plot may be thicker than anticipated….

Military Orders So Far The Nation   BANGKOK: — Orders issued by the National Peace and Order Maintaining Council (NPOMC) following the May 22 coup announcement: – Martial law is invoked nationwide – The current Constitution is abolished except Chapter 2, which pertains to the monarchy – The Cabinet is terminated – Army chief General […]

Thailand 2014 Coup: Expect for the Worst The situation is still confusing. At 21:00 local time (GMT+7), we can summarize the situation as below: What’s Happened A coup by The Army Chief, General Prayuth Chan-ocha. Political leaders from both side are ‘in control/custody’ by the army. The list includes Suthep Thaugsuban (PDRC leader), Abhisit Vejjajiva (Ex-PM […]

Thai military coup draws international censure by Boonradom Chitradon BANGKOK, May 22, 2014 (AFP) – Thailand’s army chief seized power in a military coup Thursday, deposing its beleaguered civilian government in a bid to end deadly political turmoil but triggering US-led international censure. The new military junta declared a nationwide night-time curfew and ordered demonstrators […]

Thai army says will block social media over critical content BANGKOK, May 23, 2014 (AFP) – Thailand’s new ruling junta on Friday warned it would block any social media platforms in the country found to carry content that incites violence or is critical of its military leaders. In one of a series of bulletins on […]

There were rumors that the Internet may be shut down when curfew begins at 10pm Thai time tonight but it hasn’t happened yet. According to my friend Christina Jordan, there are military arriving in Chiang Mai, which is a stronghold for the red shirts who used to be in charge. Military check points are being established […]

See the latest news here…still peaceful but that could change if the military installs a pro royalist government.

Life remains virtually unchanged here in Chiang Mai notwithstanding the imposition of martial law earlier this week, which is effectively the 18th actual or attempted coup d’etat in Thailand since 1932. If we watched or understood Thai television, the impact would be more obvious since the military has shut down some many that were broadcasting oppositional perspectives […]

What the martial law entails The Nation BANGKOK: — Military commanders in troubled areas have the authority to enforce martial law, if it looks like war or riots may break out. Martial law gives military officers the power to: – Take action against war or riots; – Use arms to suppress unrest; – Search, confiscate […]