View source for Social:2014 Thai coup d'état

{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = 2014 Thai coup d'état
| partof = the 2013–14 Thai political crisis
| image = 2014 0526 Thailand coup Chang Phueak Gate Chiang Mai 02.jpg{{!}}border
| caption = Thai soldiers at the Chang Phueak Gate in Chiang Mai.
| date = 22 May 2014
| place = Thailand
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| result =  Successful Thai military takeover

* Prime Minister Yingluck impeached
* Caretaker government dissolved
* Senate dissolved
* Constitution repealed
* Military junta established
* Next general elections delayed

| status =
| combatants_header =
| combatant1 = National Council for Peace and Order
| combatant2 = Yingluck cabinet
| combatant3 =
| commander1 = Prayut Chan-o-cha
| commander2 = Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan
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}}

On 22 May 2014, the Royal Thai Armed Forces, led by General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Commander of the Royal Thai Army (RTA), launched a ''coup d'état'', the 12th since the country's first coup in 1932,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Taylor |first1=Adam |last2=Kaphle |first2=Anup |title=Thailand’s army just announced a coup. Here are 11 other Thai coups since 1932. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/05/20/thailands-army-says-this-definitely-isnt-a-coup-heres-11-times-it-definitely-was/?utm_term=.736b32dd495f |accessdate=19 October 2018 |work=Washington Post |date=2014-05-23}}</ref> against the caretaker government of Thailand, following six months of political crisis.<ref name=WaPo12coups>{{cite news|last1=Taylor|first1=Adam|last2=Kaphle|first2=Anup|title=Thailand’s army just announced a coup. Here are 11 other Thai coups since 1932.|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/05/20/thailands-army-says-this-definitely-isnt-a-coup-heres-11-times-it-definitely-was/|accessdate=30 January 2015|work={{wipe|The Washington Post}}|date=22 May 2014}}</ref> The military established a [[Social:Military junta|junta]] called the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to govern the nation.

After dissolving the government and the Senate, the NCPO vested executive and legislative powers in its leader and ordered the judicial branch to operate under its directives. In addition, it partially repealed the 2007 constitution, save the second chapter which concerns the king,<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:คสช. ประกาศให้อำนาจนายกฯ เป็นของประยุทธ์ - เลิก รธน. 50 เว้นหมวด 2 วุฒิฯ-ศาล ทำหน้าที่ต่อ |trans-title=NPOMC announces the prime minister powers belong to Prayuth, repeals 2007 charter, except chapter 2 - senate and courts remain in office | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000057286 | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | work= Manager }}</ref> declared martial law and curfew nationwide, banned political gatherings, arrested and detained [[Social:Politician|politician]]s and anti-coup activists, imposed Internet censorship and took control of the media.

The NCPO issued an interim constitution granting itself amnesty and sweeping power.<ref>{{cite web | title = Military dominates new Thailand legislature | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28598995 | publisher = BBC | date = 2014-08-01 | accessdate = 2014-08-03 }}</ref> The NCPO also established a military dominated national legislature which later unanimously elected General Prayut as the new prime minister of the country.<ref>{{cite web | title = Prayuth elected as 29th PM | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prayuth-elected-as-29th-PM-30241418.html | work= The Nation | date = 2014-08-21 | accessdate = 2014-08-21 }}</ref>

== Background ==

In the 2011 general election, Yingluck Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) won a landslide victory and formed the government with Yingluck as prime minister. Anti-government protests, led by former Democrat Party secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban, began in November 2013. Suthep later formed the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) for the purpose of demanding the establishment of an unelected "people's council" to supervise "political reform". Pro-government groups, including the Red Shirts, held mass rallies in response. Violence occasionally occurred, resulting in a number of deaths and injuries.<ref>{{cite web | title = Why is Thailand under military rule? | publisher = BBC | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-25149484 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Death toll in Thai anti-gov't protests reaches four, dozens injured | publisher = The Voice of Russia | date = 2014-02-18 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | url = http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_02_18/Death-toll-in-Thai-anti-govt-protests-reaches-four-dozens-injured-5990/ }}</ref>

In December 2013, Yingluck dissolved the House of Representatives and scheduled a general election for 2 February 2014. Disrupted by the anti-government protesters, the election was not completed on that day. The Constitutional Court then nullified the election on 21 March 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Constitutional Court nullifies Feb 2 election | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Constitutional-Court-nullifies-Feb-2-election-30229741.html | work = The Nation | date = 2014-03-21 | accessdate = 2014-05-22}}</ref> On 7 May 2014, the Constitutional Court unanimously removed Yingluck and nine other senior ministers from office over the controversial transfer of a top security officer in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Yingluck, 9 ministers removed from office|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/408549/yingluck-9-ministers-removed-from-office|accessdate=22 May 2014|work=Bangkok Post|date=7 May 2014}}</ref><ref name = "ylremoval">{{cite web | script-title=th:อวสาน "ยิ่งลักษณ์"พ่วง รมต. ! "ศาล รธน.ฟันสิ้นสุดความเป็นรมต.ย้าย "ถวิล" มิชอบใช้อำนาจเอื้อ "เพรียวพันธ์" |trans-title=The end of Yingluck and her fellow ministers, charter court removed them over abuse of power to transfer Thawin in favour of Priewpan | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000050542 | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-07 | accessdate = 2014-05-07 | work= Manager }}</ref> The remaining ministers selected Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan to replace Yingluck as caretaker prime minister as protests continued.<ref>{{cite web | title = Yingluck removed, Niwatthamrong acting PM | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/408561/yingluck-removed-niwatthamrong-acting-pm | date = 2014-05-07 | accessdate = 2014-05-07 | work= Bangkok Post }}</ref>

== Immediately prior to the coup ==

=== Martial law imposition ===
[[File:Prayuth Jan-ocha 2010-06-17 Cropped.jpg|thumb|General Prayut Chan-o-cha, RTA Commander.]]

The RTA intervened on 20 May 2014, when its commander, General Prayut, exercised the power under the act promulgated by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) entitled ''Martial Law, BE 2457 (1914)'',<ref name="vajiravudh">{{cite web
 |url=http://www.thailawforum.com/laws/Martial%20Law.pdf 
 |title=Martial Law, B.E. 2457 (1914)  unofficial translation 
 |accessdate=May 30, 2014 
 |first=Pakorn 
 |last=Nilprapunt 
 |date=October 16, 2006 
 |format=PDF 
 |website=Thailand Law Forum 
 |publisher=Office of the Council of State (Thailand) 
 |quote=Reference to Thai legislation in any jurisdiction shall be to the Thai version only. This translation has been made so as to establish correct understanding about this Act to the foreigners. 
 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6PxBbbPSG?url=http://www.thailawforum.com/laws/Martial%20Law.pdf 
 |archivedate=30 May 2014 
 |deadurl=yes 
 |df=dmy 
}}</ref> to impose martial law nationwide from 03:00. He said through a television pool that the imposition of martial law was due to continuous violence from both sides and was for the purpose of allowing the army to restore and maintain the peace.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ผบ.ทบ. ลงนามประกาศกฎอัยการศึกทั่วประเทศ มีผลวันนี้ 03.00 น.|trans-title=RTA commander declares martial law nationwide, effective from today, 03:00 hrs | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000055656 | date = 2014-05-20 | accessdate = 2014-05-20 | language = Thai | work= Manager }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Thailand's army declares martial law, says not a coup|url=https://www.cnbc.com/id/101668507|accessdate=2014-05-22|newspaper=CNBC|date=2014-05-19}}</ref>

After imposing martial law, General Prayut ordered the dissolution of the Centre for Administration of Peace and Order, a police body formed by the caretaker government to resolve the crisis. He then established a Peace and Order Maintaining Command (POMC) with himself as its commander. Charged with the duty to "restore peace to the people from all sides without delay", the POMC was initially given the power to "prevent, suppress, abate and resolve" any situation affecting national security, to enforce every provision of the martial law, and to summon any person. General Prayut also ordered the personnel of the police, navy, air force and Ministry of Defence to be subject to the POMC.<ref>{{cite news|title=Orders 1, 2: Army takes over Capo|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/410731/orders-1-2-army-takes-over-capo|accessdate=22 May 2014|work=Bangkok Post|date=20 May 2014}}</ref><ref name = "capodissolved">{{cite web | script-title=th:กองทัพบกประกาศยุบ ศอ.รส. ตั้ง กอ.รส. ดูแลความสงบ "ประยุทธ์" คุมเอง |trans-title=Army dissolves CAPO and establishes POMC to control peace, with Prayuth as its chief | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000055661 | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-20 | accessdate = 2014-05-20 | work= Manager }}</ref>

In [[Place:Bangkok|Bangkok]], soldiers were stationed in many places<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:เอพีเผย ยอดเซลฟีกับสถานการ์ณประกาศกฎอัยการศึกในกรุงเทพฯ พุ่ง | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Around/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000055885 | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-20 | accessdate = 2014-05-20 | work= Manager }}</ref> and the main roads were blockaded.<ref>{{cite web | script-title = th:เช็คเส้นทางรอบกรุงวันประกาศกฏอัยการศึก | trans-title = Lets check the roads in Bangkok on this martial law day | url = http://www.posttoday.com/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A1.-%E0%B8%A0%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%A0%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%84/%E0%B8%82%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A7-%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A1./295747/%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%8A%E0%B9%87%E0%B8%84%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%8F%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%B6%E0%B8%81 | language = Thai | work = Post Today | date = 2014-05-20 | accessdate = 2014-05-20 | title = {title} | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140521052131/http://www.posttoday.com/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A1.-%E0%B8%A0%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%A0%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%84/%E0%B8%82%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A7-%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A1./295747/%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%8A%E0%B9%87%E0%B8%84%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%8F%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%B6%E0%B8%81 | archive-date = 21 May 2014 | dead-url = yes | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The military retook the Government House from the PDRC protesters<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ทหารเข้าคุมทำเนียบฯ ห้าม กปปส. ใช้สถานที่ |trans-title=Military seizes government house and removes PDRC | url = http://www.posttoday.com/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87/295765/%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%82%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AF%E0%B8%AB%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%AA-%E0%B9%83%E0%B8%8A%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88 | language = Thai | work= Post Today | date = 2014-05-20 | accessdate = 2014-05-20 }}</ref> and seized all television stations in Bangkok and some other parts of the country<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ทหารพรึ่บคุมสื่อ |trans-title=Military officers occupy media headquarters | url = http://www.posttoday.com/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87/295731/%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B6%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%9A-%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD-%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%94 | language = Thai | work= Post Today | date = 2014-05-20 | accessdate = 2014-05-20 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ทหารคุมทีวีช่อง 11 เชียงใหม่ |trans-title=Military controls TV 11 in Chiang Mai | url = http://www.posttoday.com/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87/295737/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AD-%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AA-%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%881 | language = Thai | work= Post Today | date = 2014-05-20 | accessdate = 2014-05-20 }}</ref> before shutting down some stations, including those of the PDRC and the Red Shirts.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:กอ.รส. ออกคำสั่งที่ 6 ระงับทีวีดาวเทียม 11 ช่องออนแอร์ |trans-title=POMC issues sixth order, shutting down eleven TV stations | url = http://www.posttoday.com/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87/295762/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AD-%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AA-%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%886%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A7%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%A111%E0%B8%8A%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%8C | language = Thai | work= Post Today | date = 2014-05-20 | accessdate = 2014-05-20 }}</ref> General Prayut later ordered all media to replace their regular programs with the POMC programs whenever he required.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:กอ.รส. ออกคำสั่งที่ 1 |trans-title=POMC issues first order | url = http://www.posttoday.com/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87/295737/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AD-%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AA-%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%881 | language = Thai | work= Post Today | date = 2014-05-20 | accessdate = 2014-05-20 }}</ref> and imposed a ban on publishing information which might affect the military's mission.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:กอ.รส. ออกคำสั่งที่ 3 ห้ามสื่อข่าวกระทบการรักษาความสงบ |trans-title=POMC issues third order, banning info likely to affect peacekeeping missions | language = Thai | work= Post Today | date = 2014-05-20 | accessdate = 2014-05-20 | url = http://www.posttoday.com/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87/295754/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AD-%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AA-%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%883%E0%B8%AB%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%82%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A9%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%9A }}</ref> He also directed all government agency chiefs to report to him.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:กอ.รส. เชิญหัวหน้าส่วนราชการและผู้บริหารสื่อเข้าพบเพื่อชี้แจงสถานการณ์ที่สโมสรกองทัพบก |trans-title=Government agency chiefs to report to the PC at Army Club | url = http://www.posttoday.com/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87/295735/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%AD-%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AA-%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%8D%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%99-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3-%E0%B8%9C%E0%B8%B9%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD | language = Thai | work= Post Today | date = 2014-05-20 | accessdate = 2014-05-20 }}</ref>

On 21 May 2014, the POMC established an Internet censorship task force and ordered Internet service providers to report to it in order to control online content.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:กอ.รส. ตั้งคณะทำงานคุมสื่อออนไลน์ |trans-title=POMC sets up a task force to control online media | language = Thai | work= Manager | date = 2014-05-21 | accessdate = 2014-05-21 | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Cyberbiz/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000056586 }}</ref>

The caretaker government complained that it had not been consulted about the martial law-related decisions of the army. The army claimed that the move was not a coup d'état and that the government remained in office.<ref>{{cite web | title = Thailand army declares martial law | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27480845 | date = 2014-05-20 | accessdate = 2014-05-20 | publisher = BBC }}</ref>

=== Unsuccessful talks ===
After its establishment, the POMC held talks with rival groups for two days in an attempt to find resolution. It was reported that the participants were of conflicting opinions and no agreement could be adopted.<ref name = "NCPO">{{cite web | script-title=th:'ประยุทธ์-เหล่าทัพ'แถลง'ควบคุมอำนาจรัฐ' |trans-title=Prayuth and military chiefs are controlling state powers | url = http://www.komchadluek.net/detail/20140522/185160.html | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 | language = Thai | work= Komchadluek }}</ref> During talks, the caretaker government was requested by the Election Commission to resign.<ref>{{cite news | title = Thai military says it's taken over the country in a coup | publisher = CNN | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/22/world/asia/thailand-martial-law/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 }}</ref> The government denied the request, saying it was required by the constitution to stay in office.<ref name = "flee">{{cite web | script-title=th:นิวัฒน์ธำรงเผ่นก่อนถูกยึดอำนาจ |trans-title=Niwatthamrong fled before coup launched | url = http://www.posttoday.com/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87/296408/%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%92%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9C%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%81%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B6%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%88 | language = Thai | work= Post Today | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 }}</ref> The 2007 constitution prescribed that the cabinet vacates office en bloc upon dissolution of the House of Representatives but it shall remain in office and continue to function until a new cabinet takes office.<ref>{{cite web|title=Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand 2007 (section 181) |author=Council of State of Thailand |publisher=Asian Legal Information Institute |year=2007 |accessdate=2014-05-22 |url=http://www.asianlii.org/th/legis/const/2007/1.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515162053/http://www.asianlii.org/th/legis/const/2007/1.html |archivedate=15 May 2012 }}</ref>

On the afternoon of 22 May 2014, the POMC held another talk at the Thai Army Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road<ref name = "NCPO"/> The talk had proceeded for five hours<ref>{{cite news | title = In Bangkok, low-key reaction as military stages coup | author = Paula Hancocks, Michael Pearson | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | date = 2014-05-22 | publisher = CNN | url = http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/22/world/asia/thailand-coup-scene/index.html?iref=allsearch }}</ref> without reaching agreement, whilst the government maintained that it bore a legal duty to remain in office. At the meeting, General Prayut eventually said to Minister of Justice Chaikasem Nitisiri who led the government representatives: "The talk knows no end because you all only speak about the law. [...] The government insists that it won't resign, right?" Chaikasem replied: "Not at this moment". General Prayut then told the meeting that "Sorry, I must seize power"<ref>{{cite web | script-title = th:เผยเบื้องหลังระทึกยึดอำนาจ | trans-title = Background of coup during the meeting | url = http://m.matichon.co.th/readnews.php?newsid=1400823069 | language = Thai | work = Matichon | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | title = {title} | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140524022607/http://m.matichon.co.th/readnews.php?newsid=1400823069 | archive-date = 24 May 2014 | dead-url = yes | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=th:"ศิริโชค" อ้าง "วราเทพ" บอก ปชป. "ผมไม่คุยกับพวกคุณแล้ว" ก่อนถึงนาทีสำคัญ |trans-title=Sirichok claims Warathep told "I won't talk with you anymore" few minutes before the coup. |url=http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?newsid=1400808482&grpid=&catid=01&subcatid=0100 |language=Thai |work=Matichon |date=2014-05-23 |accessdate=2014-05-23 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524022605/http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?newsid=1400808482&grpid=&catid=01&subcatid=0100 |archivedate=24 May 2014 }}</ref> and ordered the detention of the cabinet members as well as the leaders of the PDRC, Red Shirts, and political parties who attended the talk, much to the dismay of the media representatives who were present.<ref name = "NCPO"/> They were held at the First Infantry Regiment of the King's Guards.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ผบ.ทบ. แถลงยึดอำนาจ |trans-title=Army chief seizes power | url = http://www.posttoday.com/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87/296407/%E0%B8%9C%E0%B8%9A-%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%9A-%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B6%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%88 | language = Thai | work= Post Today | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 }}</ref>

== Coup ==

[[File:2014 0526 Thailand coup Chang Phueak Gate Chiang Mai 01.jpg|thumb|Soldiers at Chang Phueak Gate, Chiang Mai]]

=== Launch ===

On the evening of 22 May 2014, General Prayut announced through a televised address that the armed forces were assuming control of national administration,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27517591|title=Military 'takes control' in Thailand|agency=BBC|accessdate=22 May 2014|date=22 May 2014}}</ref> formally launching a coup d'état against the caretaker government and establishing the NCPO to rule the state.<ref name="NCPO"/>

Later that night, the NCPO repealed the 2007 constitution, save the second chapter which deals with the king.<ref name="Chambers-2016">{{cite web|last1=Chambers|first1=Paul|title=Under the Boot: Military-Civil Relations in Thailand since the 2014 Coup|url=http://www.cityu.edu.hk/searc/Resources/Paper/16090115_187%20-%20WP%20-%20Dr%20Chambers.pdf|website=City University of Hong Kong|publisher=Southeast Asia Research Centre (SEARC) Working Paper Series No. 187|accessdate=17 November 2017|date=2016-08-15}}</ref>{{RP|10}} In addition, it formally ordered the dissolution of the caretaker government, but the Senate as well as all other state agencies, including the courts and the independent organs, were kept intact.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:คสช. ประกาศสิ้นสุด รธน. คงอำนาจ สว. |trans-title=NCPO suspends charter, maintains senate | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 | work= Post Today | url = http://www.posttoday.com/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87/296427/%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%8A-%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%99-%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A7}}</ref> The NCPO declared its composition as follows:<ref name = "disperse">{{cite web | script-title=th:คสช. ตั้งบิ๊กตู่หัวหน้าคณะ ให้ รธน. สิ้นสุดชั่วคราว ครม. หมดอายุ วุฒิฯ-องค์กรอิสระยังอยู่ |trans-title=Big Tu leads NCPO, charter suspended, cabinet dissolved, senate and independent organs remain in existence | work= Manager | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 | language = Thai | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000057200 }}</ref>

* General Prayut (RTA Commander) as its leader,
* General Thanasak Patimaprakorn (Chief of Defence Forces), Admiral Narong Pipathanasai (Royal Thai Navy Commander), Air Chief Marshal Prajin Jantong ({{wipe|Royal Thai Air Force}} Commander), and Police General Adul Saengsingkaew (Royal Thai Police Commissioner General), as its deputy leaders,
* General Udomdet Sitabut (RTA Deputy Commander) as its secretary general.

The NCPO then announced that its leader would exercise all powers and duties which the laws invest in the prime minister and the cabinet, until there was a new prime minister.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:คสช. สั่งผู้ประกอบการสื่อสังคมออนไลน์ระงับส่งข้อความยั่วยุ |trans-title=NCPO orders all online media service providers to suspend provocative info | language = Thai | work= Manager | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000057279 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Coup leader to act as PM pending new premier appointment | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Coup-leader-to-act-as-PM-pending-new-premier-appoi-30234378.html | work= The Nation | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 }}</ref> It placed its members in charge of government ministries and equivalent agencies.<ref name = "shortlong">{{cite web | script-title=th:'คสช.' ประกาศ ฉ. 22 จัดส่วนงาน-กำหนดหน้าที่ความรับผิดชอบ |trans-title=NCPO announcement 22: arrangement of administrative agencies and determination of duties and responsibilities | work= Thairath | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | url = http://www.thairath.co.th/content/424771 | language = Thai }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Prayuth divides administration responsibilities | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Prayuth-divides-administration-responsibilities-30234460.html | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | work= The Nation }}</ref>

On 24 May 2014, the NCPO dissolved the existing Senate and granted legislative powers to its leader.<ref name = "sndissolved"/> It ordered the judicial branch to operate under its directives.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:รวมประกาศ-คำสั่งคณะรักษาความสงบแห่งชาติ |trans-title=A collection of NCPO announcements and orders | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000057225 | work= Manager }}</ref> It transferred Police General Adul to an inactive post in the Office of the Prime Minister and replaced him with Police General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit. Adul was seen as a loyalist of the deposed government.<ref name = "sndissolved">{{cite web | title = Senate dissolved, police chief sacked | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/411568/prayuth-takes-total-control | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 | work= Bangkok Post }}</ref>

=== Arrest and detention of public figures ===
Immediately after the coup was launched, caretaker Prime Minister Niwatthamrong, who did not attend the talks, left his office at the Ministry of Commerce so as to avoid being apprehended by the military.<ref name = "flee"/><ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:นิวัฒน์ธำรงล่องหนหลัง คสช. ประกาศยึดอำนาจ |trans-title=Niwatthamrong vanishes after NCPO seizes power | url = http://www.dailynews.co.th/Content/politics/239521/_+%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%92%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%87+_+%E0%B8%A5%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%99+%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%8A.%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B6%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%88 | language = Thai | work= Daily News | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 }}</ref> The NCPO ordered him and the cabinet members who were not detained to report to the military that day.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:คสช. สั่ง 18 อดีต รมต. รักษาการรายงานตัว |trans-title=NCPO orders 18 former ministers to report to it | language = Thai | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000057237 | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 | work= Manager }}</ref> It was reported that Niwatthamrong attempted to establish a government-in-exile at the United States embassy in Bangkok, but the embassy denied the report.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ทูตสหรัฐฯ ยันข่าวลือนิวัฒน์ธำรงตั้งรัฐบาลพลัดถิ่น |trans-title=US ambassador confirmed, Niwatthamrong's plan to set up a government in exile is false | work= Manager | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 | language = Thai | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000057247 }}</ref>

On the night of 22 May 2014, military officers detained additional politicians, including Chalerm Yubamrung and his sons.<ref>{{cite web | title = Chalerm arrested, report | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Chalerm-arrested-report-30234371.html | work= The Nation | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 }}</ref> The following day, the NCPO summoned PTP members and Shinawatra family members, including Yingluck.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:คสช. สั่งสาวกแม้วรายงานตัวเพิ่ม ปู - เจ๊แดง - สมชาย โดนด้วย |trans-title=NCPO orders Thaksin's followers to report to it, including Pu, Sis Daeng and Somchai | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000057290 | work= Manager }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Shinawatras, Chalerm summoned by junta | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | work= Bangkok Post | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/411335/shinawatras-chalerm-summoned-by-junta }}</ref> Niwatthamrong and Yingluck surrendered themselves to the NCPO on that day.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:'นิวัฒน์ธำรง-สมชาย-ปู' เข้ารายงานตัวแล้ว | url = http://www.komchadluek.net/detail/20140523/185186.html | work= Komchadluek | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 |trans-title=Niwatthamrong, Somchai, Pu report to the military | language = Thai }}</ref> Yingluck was detained at an undisclosed "safe house".<ref>{{cite web | title = Yingluck brought to 'safe house' | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/411452/yingluck-brought-to-afe-house | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 | work= Bangkok Post | first =Wassana | last =Nanuam }}</ref><ref name = "former">{{cite web | title = Thailand's coup leaders detain former PM Yingluck | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27544972 | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 | publisher = BBC }}</ref> The NCPO said it released her on 25 May.<ref>{{cite web | title = Yingluck goes home from barracks | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/411741/yingluck-goes-home-from-barracks | date = 2014-05-25 | accessdate = 2014-05-26 | work= Bangkok Post }}</ref>

The NCPO later summoned another 114 prominent figures from both sides<ref>{{cite web | title = NCPO summons over 100 prominent figures of rival sides | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/NCPO-summons-over-100-prominent-figures-of-rival--30234384.html | work = The Nation | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 }}</ref> and stated that those who refused to submit to it would be apprehended and prosecuted.<ref>{{cite web | title = Yingluck reports to the generals | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | work= Bangkok Post | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/411386/former-pm-yingluck-obeys-summons-reports-to-junta-generals }}</ref> Activist Sombat Boonngamanong, better known as Dotty Editor, was the first person who refused to surrender, saying "Hilarious. Not reporting [to the junta] is considered a criminal offense." He challenged the summons with a post on Facebook: "Catch me if you can".<ref>{{cite web | title = Sombat: Catch me if you can | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/411407/activist-sombat-challenges-coup-makers | work= Bangkok Post | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | first = Aekarach | last = Sattaburuth }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = 'Catch me if you can,' Sombat tells coup makers | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Catch-me-if-you-can-Sombat-tells-coup-makers-30234424.html | work= The Nation | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 }}</ref> The NCPO responded by stating that on the morning of 24 May, it would send soldiers to apprehend those who failed to appear.<ref>{{cite web | title = คุมยิ่งลักษณ์ไปค่ายอดิศร สระบุรี | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000057649 | work= Manager | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 |trans-title=Yingluck taken to Adison Camp, Saraburi }}</ref> One of those apprehended on that day was Panthongtae Shinawatra, a nephew of Yingluck.<ref>{{cite web | title = Junta continues Thaksin purge | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/411585/junta-continues-thaksin-purge | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 | work= Bangkok Post }}</ref> Sombat was eventually apprehended on 5 June 2014 in Chon Buri Province. The military tracked him down through the Internet, using the IP address he used to post his comments.<ref name = "taunting">{{cite web | title = Thai police arrest 'taunting' anti-coup activist | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27727510 | date = 2014-06-06 | accessdate = 2014-06-07 | publisher = BBC }}</ref> In addition to two years in jail for violating its orders, the military said Sombat will face seven years of imprisonment on grounds of encouraging people to violate its orders, which are the "law of the nation". The military also said that those who provided refuge to Sombat were to be dealt with by two years in jail on account of "harbouring a criminal".<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:บก. ลายจุดเจอคดีหนักโทษสูงถึง 7 ปี คาดโทษให้ที่พักพิง บก. ลายจุดมีโทษ 2 ปี |trans-title=Dotty Editor faces serious charges punishable by seven years in jail, those providing residences to him will be given two years in prison | url = http://www.chaoprayanews.com/2014/06/08/%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%81-%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%81%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A9%E0%B8%AA/ | language = Thai | date = 2014-06-08 | accessdate = 2014-06-08 | work= Chao Praya News }}</ref>

The NCPO also summoned the Bangkok diplomatic corps to its headquarters. In its summons, it said the corps were merely "invited" to a meeting with the military figures, so that they would have "correct understanding" of its mission.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:คสช. เชิญทูตานุทูต-ผู้แทนองค์การระหว่างประเทศ ฟังคำชี้แจง 16.00 น. นี้ | language = Thai | work= Thairath | url = http://www.thairath.co.th/content/424678 | date = 2014-05-23 |trans-title=NCPO calls diplomatic corps to hear an explanation this 4 pm | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | quote = เพื่อให้เกิดความเข้าใจที่ถูกต้องตรงกันต่อการดำเนินงานของคณะรักษาความสงบแห่งชาติในการรักษาความสงบและการแก้ไขปัญหาความมั่นคงภายในราชอาณาจักร }}</ref> Many foreign ambassadors, including German Ambassador Rolf Peter Schulze, refused to go.<ref>{{cite web | title = ทูตเยอรมันทวีตระบุไม่ไปพบ คสช. หลังทหารเรียกทูตเข้าพบ |trans-title=German ambassador tweets he won't go the NCPO headquarters after the military summons diplomatic corps | url = http://prachatai.com/journal/2014/05/53439 | work= Prachatai | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 }}</ref>

Former Minister of Education Chaturon Chaisaeng was the first person to be tried in a military court for failing to appear as summoned by the NCPO. Soldiers apprehended Chaturon in front of a crowd of foreign journalists immediately after giving a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand on 27 May 2014. An NCPO spokesman said that holding a press conference with foreign media was deemed improper and against NCPO policy.<ref>{{cite web | title = Chaturon arrested at FCCT | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/412047/chaturon-arrested-at-fcct | work= Bangkok Post | date = 2014-05-27 | accessdate = 2014-05-27 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Chaturon to be tried in military court | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/412063/chaturon-to-be-tried-in-military-court | work= Bangkok Post | date = 2014-05-27 | accessdate = 2014-05-27 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Chaturon to be tried in Court Martial: Winthai | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Chaturon-to-be-tried-in-Court-Martial-Winthai-30234755.html | work= Bangkok Post | date = 2014-05-27 | accessdate = 2014-05-27 }}</ref> Chaturon faced fourteen years of imprisonment in consequence of computer crime charges.<ref>{{cite web | title = Former Minister Chaturon faces computer crime charges | url = http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/4143 | date = 2014-06-20 | accessdate = 2014-06-23 | work= Prachatai English }}</ref>

Martial law allows the military to detain people for no more than seven days.<ref name = "vajiravudh"/> The NCPO did not observe the time limit. Some individuals were [[Social:Solitary confinement|held incommunicado]] for more than three weeks.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ศูนย์ทนายความเพื่อสิทธิมนุษยชน เรียกร้องปล่อยตัว 'กริชสุดา คุณะเสน' ทันที ชี้คุมตัวเกิน กม. กำหนดแล้ว |trans-title=Lawyers' Centre for Human Rights demanded release of Kritsuda Kunasen, pointing out that she has been detained for more than a period of time allowed by the law | url = http://www.prachatai.com/journal/2014/06/54160 | date = 2014-06-21 | accessdate = 2014-06-23 | language = Thai | work = Prachatai }}</ref>

=== Control of public activities and media ===

Upon announcing the coup, the NCPO laid down a ban on political gatherings and directed all protesters to disperse.<ref name = "disperse"/> It ordered all educational institutes, both public and private, to close from 23–25 May 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Schools out Friday to Sunday | work= Bangkok Post | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/411239/schools-out-friday-to-sunday }}</ref> It imposed a curfew throughout the country, ordering people to stay indoors from 22:00 to 05:00.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:คสช. ประกาศกฎอัยการศึกทั่วราชอาณาจักร-เคอร์ฟิวห้ามออกนอกบ้าน 4 ทุ่มถึงตี 5 |trans-title=NCPO imposed martial law and curfew nationwide, people must be indoors from 22:00 to 05:00 hrs | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000057172 | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 | language = Thai | work= Manager }}</ref> The curfew time was later changed to 24:00 to 04:00 hours, effective 28 May 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Junta changes curfew time to midnight - 4 am | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Junta-changes-curfew-time-to-midnight--4-am-30234802.html | date = 2014-05-27 | accessdate = 2014-05-27 | work= The Nation }}</ref> The curfew was lifted in most parts of the country on 13 June 2014.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27839659 | title = Thai junta lifts nationwide curfew | date = 2014-06-13 | accessdate = 2014-06-19 | publisher = BCC }}</ref>

The NCPO ordered all television and radio stations to stop airing their regular programs and to broadcast RTA programs only.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:แถลงฉบับ 4 ให้สถานีวิทยุ-โทรทัศน์ถ่ายทอดรายการจากโทรทัศน์กองทัพบก |trans-title=Fourth order: all TV and radio stations to broadcast RTA programs only | language = Thai | work= Thai Rath | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | url = http://www.thairath.co.th/content/424548 }}</ref> It detained Wanchai Tantiwittayapitak, deputy director of the Thai Public Broadcasting Service which operates Thai PBS station, after he permitted the station to live broadcast a special program about the coup on YouTube instead of television.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:"ไทยพีบีเอส" ยุติออกอากาศออนไลน์ - ทหารคุมตัว "วันชัย ตัน" รอง ผอ. ออกจากห้องออกอากาศ |trans-title=Thai PBS stops online broadcasting as its deputy director Wanchai Tan is taken away from the studio by soldiers | url = http://www.khaosod.co.th/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRRd01EYzJPRFExTkE9PQ%3D%3D&subcatid | work= Khao Sod | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 | language = Thai }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ไทยพีบีเอสออกอากาศผ่านยูทูบ |trans-title=Thai PBS live broadcasts its program on YouTube | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | work= Prachatai | url = http://prachatai.com/journal/2014/05/53402 | language = Thai }}</ref> On the program, several scholars, including [[Organization:Chulalongkorn University|Chulalongkorn University]] lecturer Gothom Arya, were interviewed and gave negative comments on the coup.<ref>{{cite web | script-title = th:ไทยพีบีเอสออกอากาศผ่านยูทูบ | url = http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?newsid=1400778264&grpid=03&catid=&subcatid= | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | trans-title = Thai PBS live on YouTube | work = Matichon | language = Thai | title = {title} | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031328/http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?newsid=1400778264&grpid=03&catid=&subcatid= | archive-date = 4 March 2016 | dead-url = yes | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Thai PBS said Wanchai was taken to the First Army Area headquarters to "tune in understanding between the media and army".<ref>{{cite web | title = TBPS News programme director taken away by military after airing news on Youtube | url = http://prachatai.com/english/node/3987 | work= Prachatai English  | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 }}</ref>

On 23 May 2014, the NCPO summoned all media chiefs to the Thai Army Club and ordered Internet service providers to censor any information deemed provocative, causing public disturbance, containing official secrets, likely detrimental to national security, or defamatory to the NCPO.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:คสช. ประกาศให้ปลัดกระทรวงทำหน้าที่แทน รมต. - เรียกสื่อ หัวหน้าส่วนราชการเข้ารายงานตัว |trans-title=NCPO orders permanent secretaries to serve as ministers and summons media and government agency chiefs | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | work= Manager | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000057291 }}</ref> It threatened to shut down social media if its operator failed to block information inciting unrest or inciting "opposition to peacekeeping".<ref>{{cite web | title = NCPO threatens to shut down social media if used to incite unrest | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | work= The Nation | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/NCPO-threatens-to-shut-down-social-media-if-used--30234379.html }}</ref>

On the afternoon of 23 May, analogue television networks, except Thai PBS, were allowed to resume their normal programming,<ref>{{cite web | title = Coup makers to allow Channels 3, 5, 7, 9 and NBT to resume broadcast Friday afternoon | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Coup-makers-to-allow-Channels-3-5-7-9-and-NBT-to-r-30234414.html | work= The Nation | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 }}</ref> after the NCPO ordered the Internet service providers to block all broadcast sharing attempts on the Internet and instructed the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission to shut down Internet-based television.<ref>{{cite web | title = Five TV stations to resume broadcasts | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/411410/channels-3-5-7-9-and-11-to-resume-normal-programming | work= Bangkok Post | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 }}</ref> All digital television networks were permitted to resume broadcasts the following day.<ref>{{cite web | title = All 24 digital TV stations, True Visions, some satellite TVs allowed to resume broadcast | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/All-24-digital-TV-stations-True-Visions-some-satel-30234507.html | work= The Nation | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 }}</ref>

On 24 May 2014, media organisations issued an open letter urging the NCPO to end the restriction of press freedom as soon as possible.<ref>{{cite web | title = Media organisations urge junta to lift coup orders that restrict press freedom | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Media-organisations-urge-junta-to-lift-coup-orders-30234515.html | work= The Nation | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 }}</ref> The NCPO responded by summoning all media operators, instructing them that they were required to attend a meeting with the NCPO first.<ref>{{cite news | title = Junta summons TV operators, TV network operators | work= The Nation | date = 2014-05-24}}</ref>

== Aftermath ==

=== Future roles ===
The NCPO stated on 23 May 2014 that it aimed to conduct national "economic, social and political" reforms before elections were permitted.<ref name = "whattodo">{{cite web | title = Prayuth assigns duties, pledges to pay farmers | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/411433/general-prayuth-gets-down-to-work | work= Bangkok Post | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Thailand coup: Thai army detains former PM Yingluck a day after coup | url = http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/bangkok-showdown/story/thailand-coup-thai-army-detains-former-pm-yingluck-day-after-co | work= The Straits Times | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 }}</ref> It said a reform council and a national assembly will be set up to work on the reforms.<ref name = "reform">{{cite web | title = Reform, lawmaking bodies in pipeline | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/411445/reform-lawmaking-bodies-in-pipeline | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 }}</ref> It also said it wanted to handle, inter alia, the rice pledge project problems, and will carry out a project of constructing roads on both banks of the Chao Phraya River.<ref name = "whattodo"/> The road construction project was originally initiated by the PTP in 2012 and was part of a flood control project.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Home/ViewNews.aspx?newsid=9570000057736 | script-title=th:ทำไมถนนเลียบแม่น้ำเจ้าพระยาจึงเป็นโครงการเร่งด่วนของ คสช. |trans-title=Why is the construction of roads along both sides of Chao Phraya an urgent project of the junta? | date = 2014-05-26 | accessdate = 2014-05-26 | language = Thai | work= Manager }}</ref>

General Prayut said he would run the country until the situation required an interim government.<ref name = "reform"/> In administering the country, he said he will use the military command and control systems which he believed would develop the country.<ref name = "comprehensivereform">{{cite web | url = http://www.manager.co.th/politics/viewnews.aspx?NewsID=9570000057641 | script-title=th:ประยุทธ์แจง หน. ส่วนราชการ ปฏิรูปประเทศทุกด้านก่อนเลือกตั้ง |trans-title=Prayuth tells govt agency chiefs, comprehensive reforms are required before elections | work= Manager | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-26 }}</ref> The NCPO announced that its leader would determine national administrative policies, both "short-term and long-term".<ref name = "shortlong"/>

Unlike previous coups, there were no promises of a quick return to civilian rule.<ref name = "former"/> On 26 May, the NCPO held a press conference at which a ''Thai Rath'' journalist asked General Prayut if he would become the new prime minister himself. Prayut did not refuse, answering, "It is already in the plan." Another journalist, from the ''Bangkok Post'', asked when an election would happen. Prayut replied, "[An election] depends on the situation. [There is] no deadline. That's enough", before walking out of the conference room.<ref>{{cite web | title = Transcript of coup maker Gen Prayuth's statement after royal endorsement, including Q&A w/ reporters | url = http://prachatai.com/english/node/4033 | date = 2014-05-26 | accessdate = 2014-05-27 | work= Prachatai English }}</ref> The following day, both journalists were summoned by the NCPO on grounds of "giving questions that lessen public confidence in the ruler".<ref>{{cite news | script-title=th:หัวหน้า คสช. ขอสื่อฯ อย่ารุกไล่ ทำ ปชช. ขาดเชื่อมั่นผู้นำ |trans-title=NCPO leader says, media shall not give questions that lessen public confidence in the ruler |work=| language = Thai | date = 2014-05-27}}</ref>

An NCPO spokesman also said that normal democratic principles could not be applied at the current time.<ref>{{cite web | title = Thailand coup: Protests continue despite army warning | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27563615 | publisher = BBC | date = 2014-05-25 | accessdate = 2014-05-25 }}</ref> ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' reported that the military's decisions showed that General Prayut is preparing "a long-term pervasive takeover without the calling of quick elections".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.smh.com.au/world/thailand-coup-junta-disbands-senate-tightens-grip-across-country-20140525-zrnih.html | title = Thailand coup: Junta disbands Senate, tightens grip across country | date = 2014-04-25 | accessdate = 2014-04-25 | work= Sydney Morning Herald | first = Lindsay | last = Murdoch }}</ref>

On 29 May 2014, Lieutenant General Chatchalerm Chalermsukh, deputy army chief of staff, told reporters at a press conference in Bangkok, that while elections would be held, there was no timetable. "Right conditions" would have to be put in place before an election took place, he said. A day later, in a national television address, General Prayut said elections would not be held for at least fifteen months. He warned against resistance to the military and called on all sides to co-operate and stop protesting.

Some observers believe that elections are being postponed due to issues of succession to the throne of Thailand. The king's "...death will shake Thailand like nothing has in its modern history, and the Thai military wants to be firmly in charge when that happens. It is that simple."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lohman|first1=Walter|title=When the Thai King Dies|url=http://nationalinterest.org/feature/when-the-thai-king-dies-13993|accessdate=3 October 2015|work=The National Interest|date=2015-10-02}}</ref>

=== Royal endorsement ===

On 24 May 2014, the NCPO said King Bhumibol Adulyadej had acknowledged the coup, but stopped short of describing the response as an endorsement.<ref>{{cite web | title = Thai coup leader cements grip, assumes law-making power | url = http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/bangkok-showdown/story/thai-coup-leader-cements-grip-assumes-law-making-power-20140524 | work= The Straits Times | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 }}</ref> However, on 26 May 2014 the king formally appointed General Prayut to run the country. In Thailand the monarchy is highly respected and royal endorsement was seen as legitimation of the takeover.<ref>{{cite web | title = Thai coup: Leader Gen Prayuth receives royal endorsement | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27572726 | date = 2014-05-26 | accessdate = 2014-05-26 | work= The Nation }}</ref>

=== Lèse majesté cases ===
At a press conference on 23 May 2014, the NCPO said one of its missions is to "severely" deal with ''lèse majesté'' offenders in Thailand and ordered governmental officers to support this mission.<ref name = "comprehensivereform"/>

On 25 May 2014, the NCPO authorised military courts to try all cases concerning ''lèse majesté'', sedition, national security, and violation of NCPO orders.<ref>{{cite web | title = All crimes involved lese majeste, sedition subjected to Military Court: Thai Coup makers | url = http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/4021 | work= Prachatai English | date = 2014-05-25 | accessdate = 2014-05-25 }}</ref>

On that day, the NCPO searched the residence of Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, an imprisoned magazine editor sentenced in 2013 to 11 years in jail for ''lèse majesté''. The NCPO detained his wife, who had been campaigning for [[Social:Political prisoner|political prisoner]]s, and his son, a fourth year student at the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University.<ref>{{cite web | title = Army searches Somyot's house, detains Somyot's wife and son | url = http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/4019 | date = 2014-05-25 | accessdate = 2014-05-25 | work = Prachatai English }}</ref> Other critics of the ''lèse majesté'' law were detained as well.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/4018 | title = Outspoken journalist Pravit Rojanaphruk turned himself in to coup makers | date = 2014-05-25 | accessdate = 2014-05-25 | publisher = Prachatai English}}</ref>

The NCPO later summoned a number of exiled activists accused of ''lèse majesté'', including former Chulalongkorn University political science lecturer Giles Ji Ungpakorn and former minister Jakrapob Penkair. They were ordered to appear by 9 June 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Junta summons activists-lèse majesté suspects in exile | url =http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/4092 | date = 2014-06-05 | accessdate = 2014-06-07 | work= Prachatai English }}</ref>

=== Interim constitution ===

An interim constitution was enacted on 22 July 2014, paving the way for the establishment of a national legislature, a provisional government, and a reform council.<ref>{{cite web | title = King has endorsed interim charter, says Prayuth | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/421777/king-has-endorsed-interim-constitution-says-coup-leader-prayuth | date = 2014-07-22 | accessdate = 2014-07-22 | work= Bangkok Post }}</ref> The draft interim constitution originally required that a draft new constitution be approved by the citizens in a nationwide referendum before it is forwarded to the king for his signature. The requirement was disapproved by the NCPO and was deleted.<ref name = "draft">{{cite web | script-title=th:คสช. สั่งตัดทำประชามติร่างรัฐธรรมนูญฉบับใหม่ |trans-title=NCPO orders deletion of referendum on new charter draft | url = http://www.isranews.org/isranews-news/item/30646-%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%8A-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%81%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%99-%E0%B8%89%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%9A%E0%B9%83%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%88-%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%95%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B4.html#.U6eRvdbz7Vo.twitter | work= Isara News | language = Thai | date = 2014-06-23 | accessdate = 2014-06-23 }}</ref> Wissanu Krea-ngam, a Chulalongkorn University law lecturer who drafted the interim constitution, explained that the requirement was deleted to avoid "lengthy process".<ref name = "wisanu">{{cite web | title = "วิษณุ" ตอบ "ประวิตร" เรื่องอำนาจ หน. คสช. ตาม ม. 44 "จะว่าเรา Retro ก็แล้วแต่" |trans-title=About NCPO leader's power under section 44, Wisanu replied to Pravit: "I don't care if anybody says it's a retrograde step" | url = http://prachatai.org/journal/2014/07/54721 | language = Thai | work= Prachatai | date = 2014-07-24 | accessdate = 2014-07-27 }}</ref>

== Domestic responses ==

=== Pro- and anti-government protesters ===
Many PDRC protesters lauded the announcement of the coup at their rally sites.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:กปปส. เฮเสียงนกหวีดลั่น-แกนนำอุบเงียบรอ "สุเทพ"-ทหารคุมตัว "เหวง" ให้ม็อบ นปช. กลับบ้าน |trans-title=PDRC applauds the coup - their leaders remain quiet, waiting for Suthep's orders - Weng detained by military - Red Shirts return home | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000057169 | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 | language = Thai | work= Manager }}</ref> Phra Buddha Issara, a then Buddhist monk and PDRC co-leader, went on stage to proclaim the victory of the anti-Shinawatra government protesters before requesting that his followers disperse and go home.<ref name = "jubilant">{{cite web | title = All protesters dispersed by soldiers; PDRC jubilant | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/All-protesters-dispersed-by-soldiers;-PDRC-jubilan-30234362.html | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | work= The Nation }}</ref> Soldiers took over the pro-government protest sites and fired shots in the air to disperse protesters.<ref>{{cite news|last=Campbell|first=Charlie|title=Thai Army Declares Military Coup|url=http://time.com/108719/thai-army-declares-military-coup/|accessdate=23 May 2014|newspaper=Time}}</ref>

The last group of protesters left Bangkok on the evening of 23 May 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = Last groups of protesters get marching | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Last-groups-of-protesters-get-marching-30234431.html | work= The Nation }}</ref> The NCPO provided 70 military vehicles to carry the protesters from both sides home.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:คสช. จัดรถส่งผู้ชุมนุมทุกกลุ่มกลับภูมิลำเนา |trans-title=NCPO provides cars to send all protesters home | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | work= Manager | url = http://www.manager.co.th/Home/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9570000057235 }}</ref>

=== Anti-coup ===

==== Public protests ====
In spite of a ban on political gatherings of more than five persons,<ref>{{cite news|last=Lefevre|first=Amy Sawitta|title=Thai army bans groups of more than five people from gathering|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/22/us-thailand-protests-gathering-idUSBREA4L0IC20140522|accessdate=23 May 2014|agency=Reuters}}</ref> demonstrators, including [[Organization:Thammasat University|Thammasat University]] students, marched to the Democracy Monument on 23 May 2014 to express their anger at the coup.<ref name=anti-coup>{{cite news|last=Ashayagachat|first=Achara|title=Anti-coup rally on streets, social media|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/coup/411425/anger-on-the-streets-and-online|accessdate=23 May 2014|work=Bangkok Post}}</ref> However the military stopped them from reaching the monument, citing fear of violence and clashes.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://prachatai.com/english/node/3991 | title = Activists rally against coup in Bangkok |work=Prachatai English| date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 }}</ref>

On the same day, separate protests took place outside the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, led by freelance media, artists, and social activists. Soldiers sent by the NCPO detained the protesters. A live round was fired and the whereabouts of those apprehended was not known.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:วุ่น! ทหารจับผู้ประท้วงหน้าหอศิลป์ ยังไม่ทราบชะตากรรม |trans-title=Turmoil occurs! Soldiers capture protesters at the art centre. Their fate is unknown. | url = http://prachatai.com/journal/2014/05/53449 | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | work= Prachatai }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ประชาชนรวมตัวหน้าหอศิลป์ กทม. คัดค้านรัฐประหาร |trans-title=People gather in front of Bangkok art centre to express opposition to the coup | url = http://prachatai.com/journal/2014/05/53450 | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | work= Prachatai }}</ref>

On 24 May 2014, a group held an anti-coup protest in front of Major Ratchayothin Cinema in Bangkok, where a company of troops with riot shields was stationed.<ref>{{cite web | title = Thailand military: Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, others held 'to think' | url = http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/05/24/thailand-coup-leaders-will-detain-former-prime-minister-yingluck-shinawatra/ | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 | publisher = Fox News }}</ref> On that evening, another group of at least 1,000 protesters <!-- with the slogan "Go back to your bases, brave soldiers; your people want election" "กลับกรมกองเถิดทหารกล้า ชาวประชาจะเลือกตั้ง" --> marched to the Victory Monument. The military tried to stop their procession, using a police truck. Some of the protesters were apprehended but were released after negotiation.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ปชช. นับพันต้านรัฐประหาร ขอเลือกตั้ง อนุสาวรีย์ฯ |trans-title=Thousands of people hold anti-coup rally and call for election at Victory Monument | url = http://prachatai.com/journal/2014/05/53502 | language = Thai|work=Prachatai | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-25 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Police, troops block road to stop procession of anti-coup protesters | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Police-troops-block-road-to-stop-procession-of-ant-30234517.html | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 | work= The Nation }}</ref>

At midday on 25 May 2014, a group of anti-coup protesters gathered in front of a [[Company:McDonald's|McDonald's]] restaurant at Ratchaprasong, in the heart of Bangkok. Soldiers arrived and seized the area.<ref>{{cite web | title = Anti-coup protesters, soldiers clash at McDonalds Ratchaprasong | url = http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/4017 | date = 2014-05-25 | accessdate = 2014-05-25 | work= Prachatai English}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Protesters rally against coup at Ratchaprasong | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Protesters-rally-against-coup-at-Ratchaprasong-30234584.html | date = 2014-05-25 | accessdate = 2014-05-25 | work= The Nation }}</ref> Another group of people tried to march from the Victory Monument to the Pathum Wan intersection protesting the coup. The military managed to block them.<ref>{{cite web | title = Troops block protesters from heading to Pathumvan Intersection | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Troops-block-protesters-from-heading-to-Pathumvan--30234582.html | date = 2014-05-25 | accessdate = 2015-05-25 | work= The Nation }}</ref>

Anti-coup protests also took place outside Bangkok. In Chiang Mai Province, a group of people clad in black held anti-coup activities for days, including marching to the city's ancient walls where they performed a candle-lit ceremony opposing the military's action.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:เชียงใหม่รวมตัวเป็นวันที่ 4 ชูป้าย "ขี้จุ๊เบ่เบ๊" ให้กองทัพ |trans-title=Citizens of Chiang Mai gathered for four days, with the banner "liar" for the military | url = http://prachatai.com/journal/2014/05/53447  | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | work= Prachatai }}</ref> Some of them were apprehended by military on 24 May.<ref>{{cite web | title = Three arrested in anti-coup protest in Chiang Mai | url = http://prachatai.com/english/node/4009 | date = 2014-05-25 | accessdate = 2014-05-25 | work= Prachatai English}}</ref> Anti-coup rallies also occurred in several other provinces. In Khon Kaen Province, students held a ceremony to bid farewell to democracy in front of Central Plaza Khon Kaen shopping mall where soldiers were stationed.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ขอนแก่นพิงรถถังอ่านหนังสือต้านรัฐประหาร | url = http://prachatai.com/journal/2014/05/53458 | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-26 | work= Prachatai }}</ref> In Maha Sarakham Province, students held an anti-coup protest in the middle of the city but soldiers came and seized protest materials such as banners.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ทหารไล่เก็บป้ายผ้าต้านรัฐประหารกลางเมืองสารคาม |trans-title=Soldiers seize anti-coup banners in the middle of Sarakham | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-26 | work= Prachatai | url = http://prachatai.com/journal/2014/05/53460 }}</ref> A group of Thais living in {{wipe|Australia}} held anti-coup activities at Kings Park, Perth, on 26 May.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ประท้วงรัฐประหารไทยใจกลางเพิร์ท ออสเตรเลีย ชี้เลือกตั้งคือคำตอบ |trans-title=Anti-coup protesters in Perth, Australia, say election is the only way out | url = http://prachatai.com/journal/2014/05/53533 | date = 2014-05-26 | accessdate = 2014-05-26 | language = Thai | work= Prachatai}}</ref>

A number of anti-coup activists outside Bangkok were later summoned by regional military courts and were detained without charges.<ref>{{cite web | title = Chiang Rai Martial Court summons anti-coup protesters to hear charges | url = http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/4094 | date = 2014-06-06 | accessdate = 2014-06-07 | work= Prachatai English }}</ref>

On 10 June 2014, Chalard Vorachat, a retired pilot officer and renowned hunger striker, sued the NCPO before the Criminal Court. Chalard alleged that the NCPO, by staging the coup, committed insurrection. The court dismissed the case, ruling that Chalard was not the victim and was therefore not entitled to institute the case, although Chalard claimed that he was the victim because his rights and liberties had been affected by the coup.<ref>{{cite web | title = Court rejects Chalard's lawsuit | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/414587/court-rejects-chalard-lawsuit | work= Bangkok Post | date = 2014-06-10 | accessdate = 2014-06-10 }}</ref>

==== Online activities ====
[[File:Thai-coup-detat-2014-social-media-banner.jpg|thumb|right|400px|A banner in Bangkok, observed on 3 June 2014, informs the public that "liking" or "sharing" the activity of those who openly disrespect the Monarchy on social media could land them in prison. The banner says this is "for the sake of the monarchy". near Chit Lom, Bangkok, Thailand on 2014-06-30. The woman in the right side of the picture is Chatwadee Amornpat, known as 'London Rose' who has openly insulted the Monarchy.]]

[[File:Thailand Ministry of Information and Communication Technology 2014 Censorship Image.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Image displayed from Thailand's Ministry of Information and Communication Technology when accessing prohibited content, such as ''The Daily Mail'', from Thailand in 2014.]]

Anti-coup sentiment was also echoed on Thai social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and LINE,<ref name=anti-coup /> even though the military had previously warned that it would block social media if material critical of the coup was published.<ref>{{cite news|title=Army threatens social media block|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/coup/411323/army-threatens-social-media-block|accessdate=23 May 2014|newspaper=Bangkok Post}}</ref>

A reporter, Pornthip Mongyai, was dismissed by her news agency, Mono Group, after a photo of Pornthip, wearing a press armband, stood next to a line of soldiers with an "X" taped over her lips, went viral on the Internet.<ref>{{cite web | title = Thai reporter fired for taking picture defying the coup | url = http://prachatai.com/english/node/3997 | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 | work= Prachatai English }}</ref>

In response to anti-coup activities on social media, the NCPO ordered the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) to block Facebook in Thailand "from time to time", effective from 28 May 2014. On that evening, Facebook was blocked for about an hour throughout the country.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=th:ปลัดไอซีทีเผย ปิดเฟซบุ๊กทั่วประเทศเป็นระยะ |trans-title=ICT permanent secretary: Facebook will be blocked nationwide from time to time |url=http://news.springnewstv.tv/48641/%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%8B%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5-%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9C%E0%B8%A2-%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9F%E0%B8%8B%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%8A%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A8%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9B%E0%B9%87%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B0 |archive-url=https://archive.is/20140528104544/http://news.springnewstv.tv/48641/%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%8B%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5-%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9C%E0%B8%A2-%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9F%E0%B8%8B%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%8A%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A8%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9B%E0%B9%87%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B0 |dead-url=yes |archive-date=28 May 2014 |date=2014-05-28 |accessdate=2014-05-28 |language=Thai |work=Spring News }}</ref> The MICT stated on 24 May that more than 100 URLs have been blocked under martial law.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://prachatai.com/english/node/4012 | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-26 | work= Prachatai English| title = Over 100 URLs blocked under Martial law }}</ref>

People calling for protests on social media were warned that they will face prosecution for sedition.<ref>{{cite web | title = Thai military stifles dissent | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27969600 | first = Jonathan | last = Head | publisher = BBC | date = 2014-06-22 | accessdate = 2014-06-28 }}</ref> The military also said that [[Like button|liking]] an anti-coup page on Facebook constituted a criminal offence.<ref>{{cite web | script-title = th:อำนวยชี้ กดไลก์เฟซบุ๊กชุมนุมต้าน คสช. ถือว่าผิด | trans-title = Amnuai: Liking anti-NCPO pages on Facebook is a crime | url = http://m.dailynews.co.th/News.do?contentId=243779 | language = Thai | date = 2014-06-09 | accessdate = 2014-06-10 | work = Daily News | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://archive.is/20140609180835/http://m.dailynews.co.th/News.do?contentId=243779 | archivedate = 9 June 2014 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

==== Anti-coup symbols ====
Thai coup protesters used the three-finger salute from ''The Hunger Games'' film series, symbolising their opposition to the coup.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/02/thai-protesters-hunger-games-salute The Thai protesters' Hunger Games salute shows a lack of political thought]</ref> Three extended fingers represent equality, liberty, and brotherhood.<ref>{{cite web | title = Thai protesters adopt 'Hunger Games' three-fingered salute amid military coup | first = Zayda | last = Rivera | url = http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/thai-protestors-adopt-hunger-games-salute-coup-article-1.1814427 | work= New York Daily News | date = 2014-06-02 | accessdate = 2014-06-06 }}</ref> The military announced that it would arrest anyone who displayed the salute.<ref name = "hunger">{{cite web | title = Hunger Games Stars Back Thai Salute Protesters | url = http://news.sky.com/story/1274452/hunger-games-stars-back-thai-salute-protesters | date = 2014-06-03 | accessdate = 2014-06-06 | publisher = Sky News }}</ref>

Protesters then adopted the sandwich as their new anti-coup symbol. They handed out sandwiches, shouting "sandwiches for democracy!".<ref>{{cite web | title = Thai anti-coup protesters say it with sandwiches | url = http://asiancorrespondent.com/123598/thai-anti-coup-protesters-say-it-with-sandwiches/ | work= Asian Correspondent | date = 2014-06-22 | accessdate = 2014-06-22 }}</ref> On 22 June 2014, a student eating sandwiches in front of Siam Paragon and a group of students who were to organise a sandwich activity at the same venue were apprehended and were later placed in detention.<ref>{{cite web | title = Police detains 8 student activists before their anti-coup sandwiches activity | url = http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/4148 | date = 2014-06-22 | accessdate = 2014-06-22 | work= Prachatai English }}</ref>

Apart from using the three-finger salute and eating sandwiches in public, two other acts of expressing anti-coup stance have been criminalised: reading [[Biography:George Orwell|George Orwell]]'s ''Nineteen Eighty-Four'' in public, and wearing shirts with certain slogans such as "Peace Please" and "Respect My Vote".<ref name = "acsymbol">{{cite web | title = 4 absurdly harmless acts now criminalized by Thailand’s military rulers | url = http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/thailand/140625/four-absurdly-harmless-acts-now-criminalized-thai | date = 2014-06-27 | accessdate = 2014-06-28 | first = Patrick | last = Winn | work= Global Post }}</ref>

Private citizens performing other symbolic acts were also apprehended and detained. These included: an aged woman wearing a mask with the word "People",<ref>{{cite web | title = หญิงสูงวัยลุยเดี่ยวสวมหน้ากาก "People" ถูกจับกุมหน้าแยกราชประสงค์ |trans-title=Old lady wearing "People" mask arrested in front of Ratchaprasong | url = http://www.prachatai.com/journal/2014/06/53701 | date = 2014-06-01 | accessdate = 2014-07-02 | work= Prachatai | language = Thai }}</ref> a man shouting "I'm a common citizen who feels shame because there's another coup in my country",<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:กลุ่มต้านรัฐประหารนัดกินแม็คโดนัลด์ราชประสงค์ |trans-title=Anti-coup groups to hold a dinner at Ratchaprasong McDonald | url = http://www.patrolnews.net/crime/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%95%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%90%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3-%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%81.html | date = 2014-06-29 | accessdate = 2014-05-25 | work= Patrol News | language = Thai }}</ref> a fried squid vendor wearing a red shirt,<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ทหารขับฮัมวี่จับพ่อค้าปลาหมึกทอดถอดเสื้อแดง |trans-title=Soldiers came with Humvee to arrest fried squid seller wearing red shirt | url = http://www.prachatai.com/journal/2014/06/54314 | date = 2014-06-29 | accessdate = 2014-07-02 | work= Prachatai | language = Thai }}</ref> a group of people covering their eyes, ears, and mouths,<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ควบคุมตัวประชาชนแสดงออกต้านรัฐประหารที่พารากอนรวม 7 ราย |trans-title=Seven people expressing anti-coup stance arrested in front of Paragon | url = http://www.prachatai.com/journal/2014/06/53874 | date = 2014-06-09 | accessdate = 2014-07-02 | work= Prachatai | language = Thai }}</ref> a group of movie commentators and artistic activists intending to organise the displaying of the film ''Nineteen Eighty-Four'',<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ทหารเรียกนักวิจารณ์หนัง-นักกิจกรรมศิลปะเชียงใหม่เข้าพบเหตุคิดจัดฉายหนัง 1984 |trans-title=Movie commentators and artistic activists summoned after intending to screen the film 1984 | url = http://www.prachatai.com/journal/2014/06/54231 | date = 2014-06-25 | accessdate = 2014-07-02 | work= Prachatai | language = Thai }}</ref> a group of people holding activities in front of Wat Phra Si Mahathat, a temple in Bangkok, to commemorate the transition of absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy in the Siamese revolution of 1932,<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:คสช. ชี้จัดรำลึก 24 มิ.ย. ได้ ห้ามนัยยะการเมือง |trans-title=NCPO said, activities commemorating 24 June can only be held without political hints | url = http://www.prachatai.com/journal/2014/06/54182 | date = 2014-06-23 | accessdate = 2014-07-02 | work= Prachatai | language = Thai }}</ref> a student playing "La Marseillaise" in public,<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:รวมเสรีภาพที่ถูกคสช. นำไปปรับทัศนคติ | url = http://prachatai.org/journal/2014/07/54348 | date = 2014-07-02 | accessdate = 2014-07-02 | work= Prachatai | language = Thai }}</ref> a group of people holding papers asking "Where are the people?",<ref name = "sedition">{{cite web | script-title=th:ประมวลภาพ ปชช. นับพันต้านรัฐประหาร ขอเลือกตั้งอนุสาวรีย์ฯ |trans-title=Gallery: Thousands of citizens hold anti-coup activities and demand elections at Victory Monument | url = http://www.prachatai.com/journal/2014/05/53502 | date = 2014-05-25 | accessdate = 2014-07-02 | work= Prachatai | language = Thai }}</ref> and a man holding a paper saying "Holding papers is not a crime".<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ดำเนินคดีเพิ่ม 1 รายชูป้ายต้าน รปห. |trans-title=Another man arrested for holding anti-coup paper | url = http://www.prachatai.com/journal/2014/06/53935 | date = 2014-06-11 | accessdate = 2014-07-02 | work= Prachatai | language = Thai }}</ref> All were to be tried in military courts for sedition.<ref name = "sedition"/>

=== Pro-coup ===
On 25 May 2014, a pro-coup group held a counter-rally at the Democracy Monument calling on the NCPO to conduct reforms before a general election. The following day, a group of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a similar rally.<ref>{{cite web | title = Pro-coup group holds counter-rally | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/411706/pro-coup-residents-hold-counter-rally | work = Bangkok Post | date = 2014-05-26 | accessdate = 2014-05-26 }}</ref>

=== Political parties ===
Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said on 25 May 2014 that he was sorry that he could not protect democracy.<ref>{{cite news | title = Abhisit apologises for failing to protect democracy}}</ref> The following day, he urged the NCPO to take tough measures against anti-coup groups.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:อภิสิทธิ์ชี้ คสช. ต้องใช้มาตรการเข้มขึ้นหลังมีกลุ่มก่อหวอดต้านอำนาจ |trans-title=Abhisit: NCPO must take more serious measures against anti-coup groups | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-26 | accessdate = 2014-05-27 | url = http://www.thairath.co.th/content/425144 | work= Thai Rath }}</ref>

PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban alleged that he had talked to General Prayut about how to exclude Thaksin and his family from power as early as 2010. He also claimed that before declaring martial law, General Prayut told him that "Khun Suthep and your masses of PDRC supporters are too exhausted. It's now the duty of the army to take over the task".<ref name = "plan">{{cite news | title = A Yellow Shirt Leader Says the Thai Coup Was Planned in 2010 | url = http://time.com/2910484/thai-coup-planned-2010-suthep-thaugsuban/ | date = 2014-06-23 | accessdate = 2014-06-23 | first = Charlie | last = Campbell | work= Time }}</ref>

=== Academic and religious sectors ===
The coup met with strong reactions from Thai academics, with the majority expressing serious concern over its negative impact on Thailand's democracy and human rights. But some Thai academics argued that there was no other solution to Thailand's problems.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chetchotiros|first=Nattaya|title=Academics lambast military putsch|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/411301|accessdate=23 May 2014|newspaper=Bangkok Post}}</ref>

A group of university lecturers, who call themselves the Assembly for the Defence of Democracy (AFDD), issued a statement on 23 May 2014, emphasizing the right of the people to offer resistance to an illegitimate ruler and requesting the military to promptly release the detained protesters. In its statement, the AFDD said,<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:สปป. จี้ คสช. ปล่อยคนที่ถูกจับหน้าหอศิลป์ทันที |trans-title=AFDD requests NCPO to release arrestees without delay | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 | language = Thai | url = http://prachatai.com/journal/2014/05/53452 |work=Prachatai| quote = การปกครองที่ดีนั้นไม่ใช่การปกครองด้วยการใช้กำลังบังคับข่มเหงเพียงอย่างเดียว แต่จะต้องทำให้ประชาชนยอมรับ ทำให้ประชาชนให้ความยินยอม เป็นผู้มีวาจาสัตย์ และเป็นที่ไว้เนื้อเชื่อใจของประชาชนทุกฝ่าย หากคณะรักษาความสงบแห่งชาติเห็นประชาชนเป็นศัตรูและมุ่งใช้กำลังข่มเหงเพียงอย่างเดียวเช่นนี้แล้ว ท่านก็จะต้องเผชิญกับการต่อต้านอย่างไม่รู้จบ และท่านก็จะปราบปรามประชาชนไปนับไม่ถ้วน จนกระทั่งท่านก็จะไม่เหลือประชาชนให้ปกครองอีกเลย }}</ref>

<blockquote>A good ruler shall not rule by force. He must be accepted by the public, must gain public consent, must keep his words, and must acquire faith and trust from everyone. If the NCPO treats the people as its enemy and keeps on suppressing them by force, it will face endless resistance and will have to suppress countless people. Eventually, there will be no one left to be ruled.</blockquote>

On that day, AFDD members gathered in front of the [[Organization:Thammasat University#Tha Phra Chan|Dome Building]] of Thammasat University to express their anti-coup stance.<ref>{{cite web | title = People will soon rise up against the military, coup lead to deeper conflict and violence: academic | work= Prachatai English | url = http://prachatai.com/english/node/3992 | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 }}</ref> The scholars from the Midnight University also issued a statement denouncing the coup and demanding the resignation of the National Human Rights Commission.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:มหาวิทยาลัยเที่ยงคืนเรียกร้องกรรมการสิทธิลาออก |trans-title=Midnight University demands NHRC's resignation | url = http://prachatai.com/journal/2014/05/53473 | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 | work= Prachatai }}</ref>

The academic sector also called on NCPO members to [[Philosophy:Conflict of interest#Disclosure|disclose their financial interests]] to the public. However, the National Anti-Corruption Commission said that it is not required by any law.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=th:ปปช. เผยไร้ กม. กำหนด คสช. แสดงทรัพย์สิน |trans-title=NACC: no law requires NCPO to disclose interests | url = http://www.posttoday.com/%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87/299220/%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%8A-%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9C%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A1-%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B3%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%8A-%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%99 | work= Post Today | date = 2014-06-06 | accessdate = 2014-06-07 | language = Thai }}</ref>

On 26 May 2014, Phra Paisal Visalo, a monk renowned for his roles in human rights protection, denounced the coup, saying "Even though this coup brought an end to some urgent problems..., it is the beginning of new various problems which are surely more serious".<ref>{{cite web | title = พระไพศาลเทศน์ผ่าน FB รปห. จุดเริ่มปัญหาใหม่อาจแรงกว่าเดิม |trans-title=Phra Paisal gave a sermon on FB, coup leads to more serious problems | url = http://prachatai.com/journal/2014/05/53534 | language = Thai | date = 2014-05-26 | accessdate = 2014-05-26 | work= Prachatai | quote = รัฐประหารครั้งนี้ แม้จะยุติปัญหาเฉพาะหน้าต่าง ๆ ได้ ... แต่มันเป็นจุดเริ่มต้นของปัญหาใหม่ ๆ ที่จะตามมาอีกมากมายซึ่งอาจรุนแรงกว่าปัญหาเดิม }}</ref>

In response to heavy opposition from the academic sector, military officers were stationed at some higher education institutions to prevent academics from expressing political opinions or holding political activities. These included Thammasat University's [[Organization:Thammasat University#Tha Phra Chan|Tha Pra Chan Campus]] in Bangkok.<ref>{{cite web | script-title = th:ธรรมศาสตร์ ท่าพระจันทร์ คุมเข้ม! ห้ามเคลื่อนไหวแสดงความคิดเห็นทางการเมือง | trans-title = Thammasat's Tha Pra Chan under tight control! Political opinions and activities prohibited | url = http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?newsid=1402204152 | language = Thai | date = 2014-06-08 | accessdate = 2014-06-08 | work = Matichon | title = {title} | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140615160104/http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?newsid=1402204152 | archive-date = 15 June 2014 | dead-url = yes | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

The NCPO summoned leading pro-democracy scholars. Despite the NCPO threatening that those failing to show up would face criminal penalties, the summoned said they would not submit to the military.<ref>{{cite web | title = Coup makers summons critical academics, activists to report | url = http://prachatai.com/english/node/4003 | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 | work= Prachatai English}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = 35 politicians, scholars summoned | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/411535/35-politicians-scholars-summoned | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 | work= Bangkok Post }}</ref> A number of scholars who failed to appear were later apprehended, such as Thammasat University law lecturer Sawatree Suksri who was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi Airport on 7 June 2014 after travelling back from the United States on a US embassy study trip about human rights.<ref>{{cite web | title = Nitirat member Sawatree Suksri arrested at the airport | url = http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/4099 | work= Prachatai English  | date = 2014-06-07 | accessdate = 2014-06-07 }}</ref>

The military also ordered Thai diplomats to take measures to force the return of exiled academicians.<ref name = "exile">{{cite web | title = Thai Generals Go After Exiles and Academics | url = http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/thai-generals-go-exiles-academics/ | date = 2014-06-09 | accessdate = 2014-06-10 | work= Asia Sentinel }}</ref> One of the targets was Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a 'wannabe' Thai associate professor at Kyoto University who challenged the summons by asking if he could send his pet chihuahua to meet with General Prayut in his stead.<ref>{{cite web | title = TIMELINE: Thailand Coup Aftermath 2014 – May 26-28 | url = http://asiancorrespondent.com/122874/thailand-coup-live/ | work= Asian Correspondent | date = 2014-05-26 | accessdate = 2014-06-10 | first =  Saksith | last =  Saiyasombut }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Muzzling Media in Coup-Ed up Thailand | url = http://www.impactonnet.com/Muzzling-Media-in-Coup-Ed-up-Thailand | publisher = Impact on Net | date = 2014-06-03 | accessdate = 2014-06-10 }}</ref> Pavin claimed that the Thai ambassador in Tokyo and consul general in Osaka have both been told by the military that if they fail to force Pavin to return, they will either be transferred or forced out of the foreign service.<ref name = "exile"/> On 13 June 2014, the NCPO issued an arrest warrant against Pavin.<ref>{{cite web | title = Thailand junta tries to silence its critics to protect the king | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/pavin-chachavalpongpun-thailand-junta-tries-to-silence-its-critics-to-protect-the-king/2014/06/17/c77415ee-f341-11e3-914c-1fbd0614e2d4_story.html | first = Pavin | last = Chachavalpongpun | work= Washington Post | date = 2014-06-19 | accessdate = 2014-06-20 }}</ref>

== International responses ==

=== Government sector ===

==== Supranational ====
* {{Flag|EU}}
** The [[Organization:Council of the European Union|Council of the European Union]] concluded on 23 June 2014 that the EU and its member states will not sign the partnership and cooperation agreement with Thailand, until a democratically elected government is in place, and that other agreements will also be affected as appropriate.<ref>{{cite web | title = Council conclusions on Thailand FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting Luxembourg, 23 June 2014 | url = http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/143330.pdf | publisher = Council of the European Union | date = 2014-06-23 | accessdate = 2014-06-23 }}</ref>
** The European External Action Service called for the military to accept and respect the constitutional authority of the civilian power and stressed "the importance of holding credible and inclusive elections as soon as feasible".<ref>{{cite web | title = EEAS on Thai coup | url = http://eeas.europa.eu/statements/docs/2014/140522_03_en.pdf | publisher = EEAS | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 }}</ref>
* {{Flag|UN}}
** Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, issued a statement through his spokesman, expressing concern over the coup, calling for "a prompt return to constitutional, civilian, democratic rule" and movement towards cooperation between the parties.<ref>{{cite web|title=Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Thailand|url=https://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=7700|publisher=Office of the United Nations Secretary-General|accessdate=22 May 2014|location=New York|date=22 May 2014}}</ref>
** Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned the coup. She said her office has monitored the situations for the past five months and she is "deeply concerned about the forcible replacement of an elected government, the imposition of martial law, the suspension of the constitution and the emergency measures that are restricting the enjoyment of human rights". She also urged prompt restoration of rule of law in the country.<ref>{{cite web | title = UN Human Rights Chief condemns military coup and urges prompt restoration of rule of law in Thailand | url = http://prachatai.com/english/node/4001 | work= Prachatai English  | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 }}</ref>

==== Countries ====
* {{Flag|Australia}} – Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop expressed that she was "gravely concerned" over the military coup and described the situation as "volatile". She also urged Australian travellers to exercise caution and pay close attention to their security, there are an estimated 5000+ Australians currently in Thailand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/05/23/thai-ambassador-called-talks|title=Thai Ambassador Called in for Talks|date=23 May 2014|publisher=SBS|accessdate=24 May 2014}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Cambodia}} – Cambodian government officials expressed concerns that tensions could rise at the Cambodia–Thailand border, where a dispute has been ongoing since 2008. Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan said "We wish to see this [coup] not jeopardizing democratic transition, maintaining peace and stability, and still respecting [and safeguarding] the will and interest of the Thai people" while adding that nothing is expected to change at the Cambodia–Thailand border. Siphan also said that the government would always respect the mutual interests of the two countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cambodia-keeps-cool-after-coup-thailand|title=Cambodia keeps cool after coup in Thailand|date=23 May 2014|work=The Phnom Penh Post|accessdate=23 May 2014}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Canada}} – Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird condemned the coup and said: "This decision violates Thailand's democratic principles and stands in stark contrast to the Army's earlier assurances that its role would be limited to securing public order.  We hope and expect the Thai military will return Thailand to civilian rule as soon as possible, respect democratic processes and the rule of law, ensure freedom of expression and assembly, and guarantee due process for those who have been detained."<ref>{{cite news | title = Thailand's army coup draws fire from world community | url = http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/thailand-s-army-coup-draws-fire-from-world-community-1.2650454 | publisher = CBC News | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 }}</ref>
* {{Flag|Chile}} – The Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement condemning the coup and saying that they "trust that the political crisis affecting the partner and friendly nation and its people, can be quickly and peacefully resolved through means that will allow the recovery of democratic coexistence".<ref>{{cite web | title = Chilean government condemns coup in the Kingdom of Thailand | url = http://www.minrel.gob.cl/gobierno-de-chile-condena-el-golpe-de-estado-en-el-reino-de-tailandia/minrel/2014-05-22/180736.html | publisher = Chilean Foreign Affairs Ministry | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 }}</ref>
* {{Flag|China}} – Foreign Ministry issued a brief statement expressing its concern over the situation and hoped for the order to be restored in Thailand.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/video/2014-05/23/c_133356639.htm|title=China calls for dialogues and order in Thailand|agency=Xinhuanet|date=2014-05-23|accessdate=2014-05-25}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Colombia}} – The Foreign Affairs Ministry, through a press release, reiterated its concern about the current situation in the "allied nation" of Thailand and condemned the "break of the institutional order that was caused by the coup".  Colombia called for dialogue, between the public armed forces and the Kingdom of Thailand, in order to reestablish a participative Democracy while also "advocating for the constitutional rights of all Thai citizens."<ref>{{cite web | title = Comunicado de Prensa del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores sobre la situación en Tailandia | url = http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/comunicado-prensa-del-ministerio-relaciones-exteriores-sobre-la-situacion-tailandia | publisher = Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 }}</ref>
* {{Flag|France}} – President François Hollande condemned the coup and called for "an immediate return to the constitutional order and for a vote to be organised".<ref>{{cite web | title = Hollande condemns Thai coup, calls for elections | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Hollande-condemns-Thai-coup-calls-for-elections-30234374.html | work= The Nation | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 }}</ref>
* {{Flag|Germany}} – German Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier issued a statement condemning the coup, calling for the rapid holding of elections and restoration of constitutional protections.<ref>{{cite web|title=Steinmeier zur Machtübernahme durch das Militär in Thailand|trans-title=Steinmeier on the military coup in Thailand|url=http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/DE/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2014/140522-BM_Thailand.html|publisher=Foreign Office|accessdate=23 May 2014|language=German|date=22 May 2014}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Indonesia}} – In a statement issued by Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, Indonesia "calls upon the Armed Forces of Thailand and various relevant civilian elements to work together in a reconciliatory atmosphere to quickly restore the political situation in Thailand". He also states that Indonesia will communicate with Myanmar, which is ASEAN chairperson for 2014 to "mobilize ASEAN’s contribution in establishing a condition conducive for the restoration of political condition in Thailand".<ref>{{cite web|title=Indonesia Calls For Restoration of Political Situation in Thailand|url=http://www.kemlu.go.id/Documents/Kudeta%20Thailand/Siaran%20Pers%20Kudeta%20Thailand.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia|accessdate=9 June 2014}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Japan}} – Fumio Kishida, the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement calling for the rapid restoration of democracy in Thailand.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kishida|first=Fumio|title=タイにおける政変について（外務大臣談話）|trans-title=Statement by Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the coup d’État in Thailand |url=http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/press/danwa/page4_000480.html|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs|accessdate=23 May 2014|language=Japanese|date=22 May 2014}}</ref>
* {{flag|Malaysia}} – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Malaysian citizens to avoid travelling to Thailand for the time being and postpone any non-essential visits to the country. Malaysian citizens present in Thailand are also advised to abide by the curfew for personal safety and security reasons.<ref>{{cite web|title=PRESS RELEASE  THE CURRENT SITUATION IN BANGKOK, THAILAND|url=http://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/home?p_p_id=101_INSTANCE_Yt06&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-3&p_p_col_pos=1&p_p_col_count=5&_101_INSTANCE_Yt06_struts_action=%2Fasset_publisher%2Fview_content&_101_INSTANCE_Yt06_urlTitle=press-release%3A-the-current-situation-in-bangkok-thailand-22-may-2014-siaran-akhbar%3A-situasi-semasa-di-bangkok-thailand-22-mei-2014&_101_INSTANCE_Yt06_type=content&redirect=%2Fweb%2Fguest%2Fhome|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia|accessdate=24 May 2014}}</ref> Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had commented that the coup in Thailand will not affect Malaysia politically or economically, saying that since independence in 1957 Malaysians have been law-abiding citizens.<ref>{{cite web|title=Thai coup will not affect Malaysian politics, economy, says Dr Mahathir|url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/thai-coup-will-not-affect-malaysian-politics-economy-says-dr-mahathir|work=The Malaysian Insider|accessdate=24 May 2014|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526022623/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/thai-coup-will-not-affect-malaysian-politics-economy-says-dr-mahathir|archivedate=26 May 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Philippines}} – Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said "the Philippines supports a peaceful resolution of the present situation" and "hopes for an early return to normalcy consistent with democratic principles, the rule of law and the will and interest of the Thai people."<ref>{{cite web | title = Philippines hopes for early return of democracy in Thailand | url = http://globalnation.inquirer.net/104965/philippines-hopes-for-early-return-of-democracy-in-thailand | work= Philippine Daily Inquirer | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 }}</ref>
* {{Flag|Russia}} – The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a prompt return of the political process and constitutional protections.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ru:Комментарий Департамента информации и печати МИД России относительно военного переворота в Таиланде|trans-title=Comments of the Press and Information Department of the MFA of Russia concerning the Military Coup in Thailand|url=http://www.mid.ru/brp_4.nsf/newsline/7B54BB2709A6D47D44257CE10028F506|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs|accessdate=23 May 2014|language=Russian|date=23 May 2014}}</ref>
* {{Flag|South Africa}} – The South African government, through its spokesman Clayson Monyela, condemned the coup and called on "all relevant parties to work speedily and through an inclusive process towards the restoration of constitutional order".<ref>{{cite web | title = SA condemns coup in Thailand | url = http://citizen.co.za/182935/sa-condemns-coup-thailand/ | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-23 | work= The Citizen }}</ref>
* {{Flag|Singapore}} – A spokesperson for the Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "grave concern" over the coup.<ref>{{cite web|title=MFA Spokesman’s Comments in response to media queries on the announcement of a coup in Thailand on 22 May 2014|url=http://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/mfa/media_centre/press_room/pr/2014/201405_/press_20140522_02.html|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs|accessdate=23 May 2014|date=22 May 2014}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Turkey}} – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey stated that, "We regret the decision of the Thai armed forces to suspend the constitution and take control of the government. Turkey, as a matter of principle, is opposed to the dismissal of governments that have come to power by popular vote, by non-democratic methods.<ref>{{cite web|title=No: 161, 24 Mayıs 2014, Tayland'da Ordunun Yönetime El Koyması Hk.|url=http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-161_-24-mayis-2014_-tayland_da-ordunun-yonetime-el-koymasi-hk.tr.mfa|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey|date=24 May 2014|accessdate=26 May 2014}}</ref>
* {{Flag|United Kingdom}} – Foreign Secretary William Hague issued a statement urging "the restoration of a civilian government that has been democratically elected, serves the interests of its people and fulfils its human rights obligations".<ref>{{cite web|title=Foreign Secretary calls for return to democracy in Thailand|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-calls-for-return-to-democracy-in-thailand|publisher=Foreign and Commonwealth Office|accessdate=23 May 2014|date=22 May 2014}}</ref> The Foreign Office announced that it would review military ties with Thailand and cancelled a number of military visits.<ref>{{cite news|title=UK reviews military ties with Thailand|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/412016/uk-reviews-military-ties-with-thailand|accessdate=27 May 2014|newspaper=Bangkok Post}}</ref>
* {{Flag|United States}} – Secretary of State John Kerry issued a statement condemning the coup, saying that he is "disappointed" by the army's decision and "this act will have negative implications for the U.S.–Thai relationship, especially for our relationship with the Thai military."<ref>{{cite web | title = US Department of State on Thai coup | url = https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2014/05/226446.htm#.U340WQIu4_0.twitter | publisher = US Department of State | date = 2014-05-22 | accessdate = 2014-05-22 }}</ref> The Cobra Gold joint military drill proceeded, but military aid was suspended.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Whitlock|first1=Craig|title=U.S. military to participate in major exercise in Thailand despite coup|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-military-to-participate-in-major-exercise-in-thailand-despite-coup/2015/02/07/cd328d16-ae3b-11e4-abe8-e1ef60ca26de_story.html|accessdate=7 April 2016|work=Washington Post|date=2015-02-07}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Vietnam}} – Vietnamese government representatives traveled to Thailand to meet with representatives of the Thai government as a show of support for the change of government.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Reuters|title=China, Vietnam back new Thai military government after West's disavowal|url=http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1525458/china-and-vietnam-back-military-government-thailand-after-wests-disavowal|accessdate=2 August 2014|work=South China Morning Post|date=5 June 2014}}</ref>

=== Non-governmental sector ===

* A group of Thai studies scholars from twenty universities in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States jointly published an open letter in which they said, "You [General Prayut] requested that citizens 'carry out their lives and occupation as usual', but nothing could be normal about the political and social conditions put in place by the coup. The coup cannot be a measure for peace because the coup itself is the use of violence." They called on the NCPO to return immediately to constitutional rule by a civilian government and to provide a concrete timeline for such return.<ref>{{cite web | title = International Scholars of Thai Studies Condemn the Coup and Call for an Immediate Return to Constitutional Rule | url = http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/3998 | work= Prachatai English  | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 }}</ref>
* Amnesty International (AI) issued a statement saying that arresting peaceful anti-coup activists is a "dangerous precedent" and "maintaining public order cannot be an excuse for violating human rights." It also urged the NCPO to clarify the whereabouts of those arrested and detained.<ref>{{cite web | title = Amnesty International slams arrests  | url = http://www.bangkokpost.com/most-recent/411523/amnesty-international-slams-arrests | work= Bangkok Post | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 }}</ref> AI later denounced the military action against leading anti-coup activist Sombat Boonngamanong, describing it as part of "a systematic and widening crackdown on key human rights". Its Asian director Richard Bennett said "This is the latest in a disturbing wave of arrests of people purely voicing disquiet about the military regime. The army's course of action is looking increasingly like a purge."<ref name = "taunting"/>
* The Asian Human Rights Commission condemned the NCPO for threatening academics and activists, called for the immediate release of the detainees, and expressed grave concern over the rapid decline of human rights protections in the country.<ref>{{cite web | title = THAILAND: Army issues summons to activists, academics, writers, and others | url = http://www.humanrights.asia/news/ahrc-news/AHRC-STM-100-2014 | publisher = Asian Human Rights Commission | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-25 }}</ref>
* Human Rights Watch described the NCPO's actions as the exercise of "draconian martial law powers" and called for the immediate end thereof. Its Asian director Brad Adams said, "The Thai army needs to recognize that the government should be determined by the ballot, not the bullet."<ref>{{cite web | title = Thailand: Rights in 'Free Fall' After Coup | url = https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/05/24/thailand-rights-free-fall-after-coup | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-24 | publisher = Human Rights Watch }}</ref>
* [[Biography:Noam Chomsky|Noam Chomsky]] said he was "deeply disturbed to learn about the threats against Professor Pavin Chachavalpongpun" and hoped that those threats will quickly be withdrawn and that Pavin can "resume his life without government repression".<ref>{{cite web | title = US academic Noam Chomsky gives embattled Thai academic Pavin moral support | url = http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/4149 | date = 2014-06-22 | accessdate = 2014-06-22 | language = Thai | work= Prachatai English }}</ref>
* Stars of the ''Hunger Games'' showed their support for anti-coup protesters who have been using the films' three-fingered salute as a way of showing opposition. One of the cast members, Natalie Dormer, described the use of the salute as "incredible" and said "Anything that galvanises people in a positive way to fight against oppression cannot be criticised in any shape or form."<ref name = "hunger"/>

== Impacts ==
The United States suspended US$3.5m in military aid to Thailand from its overall aid package of US$10.5 million<ref name = "crackdown"/> and cancelled military engagements, including military visits and training.<ref>{{cite web|title=Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby on Thailand |url=http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=16717 |date=2014-05-24 |accessdate=2014-05-24 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525213548/http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=16717 |archivedate=25 May 2014 }}</ref> It also urged tourists to cancel trips and halted non-essential visits by its governmental officers.<ref name = "crackdown">{{cite web | title = Thailand army continues crackdown after coup | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27553029 | publisher = BBC | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-25 }}</ref>

Some border checkpoints between Thailand and neighbouring states were closed following the coup.<ref>{{cite web | title = Thai-Myanmar border gates closed following coup | url = http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6227:thai-myanmar-border-gates-closed-following-coup&catid=32:politics&Itemid=354 | publisher = Eleven Myanmar | date = 2014-05-23 | accessdate = 2014-05-26 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = After Coup in Thailand, Some Border Channels Closed | url = http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/after-coup-in-thailand-some-border-channels-are-closed-59505/ | work= Cambodia Daily | date = 2014-05-24 | accessdate = 2014-05-26 }}</ref>

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports said on 27 May that the arrival of "foreign tourists dropped by 20%".<ref>{{cite web | title = Foreign tourists drop by 20 per cent following martial law imposition: permanent official | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Foreign-tourists-drop-by-20-per-cent-following-mar-30234723.html | work= The Nation | date = 2014-05-27 | accessdate = 2014-05-27 }}</ref>

The coup also resulted in the cancellation of Taylor Swift's concert, formerly scheduled on 9 June 2014, in Bangkok,<ref>{{cite web | title = Taylor Swift's concert cancelled | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Taylor-Swifts-concert-cancelled-30234720.html | work= The Nation | date = 2014-05-27 | accessdate = 2014-05-27 }}</ref> and the postponement of several events, including USA Fair 2014 scheduled for 30 May–2 June 2014.<ref>{{cite web | title = USA Fair 2014 postponed | url = http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/USA-Fair-2014-postponed-30234718.html | work= The Nation | date = 2014-05-27 | accessdate = 2014-05-27 }}</ref>

''Asia Sentinel'' reported on 9 June 2014 that Thai rights groups estimated that some 200 people remained in detention since the coup happened.<ref name = "exile"/>

After the NCPO vowed on 11 June 2014 to deal with illegal foreign workers in Thailand, saying "we see illegal workers as a threat",<ref>{{cite web | title = Thailand's military junta vows to arrest undocumented immigrant workers | url = http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/06/11/thailands-military-junta-vows-to-arrest-undocumented-immigrant-workers/ | author = Agence France Presse | publisher = Rawstory.com | date = 2014-06-12 | accessdate = 2014-06-14 }}</ref> a very large number of foreign migrants, more than half of whom were women and children, left the country the same day. The International Organization for Migration described the event as a "sudden influx" and expressed its concern.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iom.int/cms/en/sites/iom/home/news-and-views/press-briefing-notes/pbn-2014/pbn-listing/thousands-of-cambodian-migrants.html |date=2014-06-11 |accessdate=2014-06-14 |title=Thousands of Cambodian Migrants Leave Thailand: IOM Concern |publisher=International Organization for Migration |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140618232034/http://www.iom.int/cms/en/sites/iom/home/news-and-views/press-briefing-notes/pbn-2014/pbn-listing/thousands-of-cambodian-migrants.html |archivedate=18 June 2014 }}</ref> The BBC reported on 16 June 2014 that more than 180,000 Cambodians fled Thailand after the NCPO announced the crackdown.<ref name = "crack">{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27898652 | title = Cambodia ramps up criticism of Thailand's junta | publisher = BBC | date = 2014-06-16 | accessdate = 2014-06-19 }}</ref> A group of Cambodians died in a car accident on their way to the border and this enraged the Cambodian government, which said the Thai military must be held responsible for all the problems that have occurred.<ref name = "crack"/> Burmese migrants in northern Thailand were arrested and were released only after a "protection fee" was paid. Rights groups said employers in southern Thailand had also advised their foreign workers to go into hiding in the woods or rubber plantations to avoid arrest.<ref>{{cite web | title = Arbitrary arrests of Burmese migrants continue in Chiang Mai | url = http://www.dvb.no/news/arbitrary-arrests-of-burmese-migrants-continue-in-chiang-mai-burma-myanmar/41632 | date = 2014-06-19 | accessdate = 2014-06-20 | author = Nang Mya Nadi | publisher = DVB }}</ref>

== See also ==

* 2006 Thai coup d'état
* 2014 interim constitution of Thailand
* Next Thai general election
* List of coups d'état and coup attempts by country#Thailand

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Further reading ==

* {{cite web | title = #BBCtrending: Sandwiches, codes and salutes in Thailand | date = 14 June 2014 | publisher = BBC | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-27833824 }}
* {{cite web | title = Aunties on the front line against the coup: a special report | date = 9 June 2014 | work= Prachatai English  | url = http://prachatai.com/english/node/4105 }}
* {{cite news | title = Thailand coup: A cheat sheet to get you up to speed | date = 22 May 2014 | publisher = CNN | url = http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/21/world/asia/thailand-crisis-up-to-speed/index.html?iref=allsearch | author = Catherine E. Shoichet }}
* {{cite web|author1=Chris Blake |author2=Anuchit Nguyen |title=Thai Coup Risks Clashes as Thaksin Camp Better Organized  |work=Bloomberg |date=23 May 2014 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-22/thai-coup-risks-deadly-clashes-as-thaksin-camp-better-organized.html}}
* {{cite news | title = Thailand wakes to military rule: What it means | date = 22 May 2014 | publisher = CNN | url = http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/20/world/asia/thailand-martial-law-explainer/index.html?iid=article_sidebar | first = Hilary | last = Whiteman }}
* {{cite web |title=Coup needed for Thailand 'to love and be at peace again' - army chief |first=Kate |last=Hodal |newspaper=The Guardian |date=23 May 2014 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/22/military-coup-thailand-peace-general-prayuth-chan-ocha}}
* {{cite web | title = Thailand coup: What commentators are saying about the crisis | date = 23 May 2014 | newspaper = The Straits Times | url = http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/bangkok-showdown/story/thailand-coup-army-chief-shows-ruthless-streak-20140523 | author = Tay Hwee Peng }}
* {{cite web | title = Thailand coup: Army chief shows ruthless streak | date = 23 May 2014 | newspaper = The Straits Times | url = http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/bangkok-showdown/story/thailand-coup-army-chief-shows-ruthless-streak-20140523 }}
* {{cite web |first=Vitit |last=Muntarbhorn |title=Lessons of 'Black May' 1992 and the 2006 coup |newspaper=Bangkok Post |date=23 May 2014 |url=http://bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/411309/lessons-of-black-may-1992-and-the-2006-coup}}
* {{cite web | title = Why is Thailand under military rule? | date = 22 May 2014 | publisher = BBC | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-25149484 }}

== External links ==

* [http://prachatai.com/english/category/coup-2014 A collection of English news about the coup] – Prachatai English
* [http://www.ilaw.or.th/node/3146 Statistics of individuals summoned and arrested by the NCPO] - iLaw

=== Media ===
* {{cite av media | author = Matichon | date = 23 May 2014 | title = Soldiers seize Bangkok Art and Culture Centre and apprehend anti-coup activists | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6SB_f_Q3KY | format = video }}
* {{cite av media | first = Pipob | last = Udomittipong | date = 23 May 2014 | title = Anti-coup demonstration in Chiang Mai | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B09w1sKOz5w | format = video }}
* {{cite av media | author = Prachatai | date = 23 May 2014 | title = Anti-coup gathering in Bangkok (Bangkok Art and Culture Centre) | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSuIf6IInx4 | format = video }}
* {{cite av media | author = Prachatai | date = 24 May 2014 | title = Anti-coup rally in Bangkok amid martial law (Victory Monument) | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JTx01EmvWE | format = video }}
* {{cite av media | author = Prachatai | date = 27 May 2014 | title = Ex-minister Chaturon Chaisang arrested in front of crowd of journalists | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXnDA8htn14 | format = video }}
* {{cite av media | author = Ruam Thai Siam | date = 27 May 2014 | title = Anti-coup protester assaulted by Royal Thai Army officers at Siam Paragon, despite public clamour against their action | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BCjjlWxGp4 | format = video }}
* {{cite av media | author = Prachatai | date = 29 May 2014 | title = Foreigner arrested for holding T-shirt stating "Peace Please" (Victory Monument) | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR5ds7TvIH8 | format = video }}


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[[Category:Human rights abuses|Thai coup d'état]]

{{Sourceattribution|2014 Thai coup d'état|1}}