Thailand’s king
has endorsed the army chief who seized power in a coup last week, amid
widespread international criticism and increasing detention of those considered
to be opposed to the takeover.
General
Prayuth Chan-ocha told journalists on Monday morning that the much revered King
Bhumibol Adulyadej, 86, had officially backed him as the leader of the military
council now running the country.
This is
coming at a time where coup plotting and governmental take-over seems to have
abated since countries even stringent on communal rule are rooting for
democracy. Countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Syria are in tumoil because of
their aspirations to be ruled by government elected by the people. The oligarchy
of the past being shoved away and military control abdicated for civilian
rulership.
Prayuth
seized power on Thursday after six months of political in-fighting between the
now-deposed government and its critics, who had taken to the streets and
besieged government buildings in an effort to oust it. At least 28 people were
killed and more than 700 injured in violent clashes after anti-government
protests began in November.
"The
most important thing right now is to keep peace and order in the country,"
said Prayuth, dressed in a white military uniform and flanked by 14 officers,
in the televised press conference. "The less you allow me to speak, the
more I'll be able to work."
The royal
endorsement officially allows Prayuth to head the National Council for Peace
and Order (NCPO), which will establish a legislative assembly and reform
committee, draw up a temporary constitution, and appoint a prime minister.
Prayuth promised elections would take place, but only when Thailand was
"at peace".
We wait to
see what will be the outcome, whether Prayuth will relinquish power in not too
far away future or will sit for much longer than expected.
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