Thai martial law declaration draws support from all sides

The imposition of martial law across Thailand shortly before dawn on Tuesday, May 20 has drawn the support of key political players from both sides of the fence. Officials from the caretaker government said they supported the decision of Army chief and self-appointed martial law administrator Prayuth Chan-ocha. The caretaker government held talks with Gen Prayuth on Tuesday morning to discuss the terms of martial law. Gen Prayuth told media after the meeting that the military will maintain order while a “democratic solution” is negotiated by all sides. Opposition figure and Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva backed the invocation of martial law, saying all side should support any legal means taken to protect the public and maintain order. Opposition groups, however, say they will continue their planned protests on Wednesday to call for an appointed government. Thailand’s fractured political landscape has led to a stalemate with neither side wanting to give way.

Read the full story in the Bangkok Post.