Thailand Army Declares Martial Law, Censors Media

Local Editor

Thailand's army suspended broadcasts on several television channels in a sweeping move to censor the media after the declaration of martial law across the bitterly divided nation.

The channels were suspended "in order that people will get the correct information and not distort information to deepen the conflict", according to a written order broadcast simultaneously on all television channels.
The channels ordered to stop broadcasting included three pro-government "Red Shirt" channels as well as the anti-government protesters main satellite channel Blue Sky TV - which has shown more than six months deadly protests round-the-clock and has been key in galvanizing rallies.

Television screens went blank for several seconds before the order was delivered simultaneously on each channel - written on a sheet of paper and signed by army chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha.
The order was issued around an hour after Prayut declared the widespread censorship of the media in the interests of "national security".

The army "prohibits all media outlets from reporting or distribution of any news or still photographs detrimental to national security," said the statement by Prayut which was broadcast on every channel.
This comes as the military leaders declared martial law Tuesday in a surprise move which they say aims to restore peace and order after months of anti-government demonstrations and unrest have left the nation teetering.

Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha made the announcement on military television at 3:00 am local time and assured the public that even though soldiers will now be in command of public security, order will rule the day. Dozens of people have been killed as a result of the protests since the demonstrations began in November 2013.
"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," Prayuth said, as quoted by Reuters. "I'm asking all those activist groups to stop all activities and cooperate with us in seeking a way out of this crisis.

Thailand has faced months of debilitating protests aimed at ousting the government.
At least 28 people have died in gun and grenade attacks on the protests, with hundreds of others wounded.
A decades-long dispute over power has culminated within the past six months with large demonstrations and unrest. The situation escalated earlier in May, when Prime Minister Yingluck. Shinawatra was forced from office. Her ouster made way for sitting Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan, who said Monday that his administration would not step down.
The opposition demands that the government give way to an unelected administration that would then rewrite the constitution.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team