Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra arrived at a military installation in Bangkok on Friday, after she and dozens of political figures were summoned to a meeting with the country’s ruling military.
The military seized power in a bloodless coup Thursday, with General Prayuth ChanOcha saying the move was aimed at restoring order and pushing through political reform. The military has also suspended the constitution and imposed a nationwide curfew from 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. and shut down several media outlets.
The United States, along with other Western governments, has said the coup was unnecessary. Kristie Kenney, the U.S. ambassador to Thailand, told VOA’s Steve Herman on Friday that Washington is concerned about the country’s human rights situation.
“The Thais will of course chart their own path. But as Secretary of State [John] Kerry has said, we really do call for an immediate return to a civilian government, the lifting of press restrictions, and respect for human rights and a path to elections.”
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement Thursday that there is “no justification” for the coup. Kerry voiced concern about reports that senior Thai political leaders have been detained by the military.
He called for their immediate release and “a return to democracy.”
Kerry also warned the takeover will have “negative implications” for U.S. relations with the Thai military.
In a statement today, the military said 155 prominent figures, including ousted government leaders, were banned from leaving the country without permission.
