Announcement of the National Peace and Order Maintaining Council

No.1/2557

Subject: On the Control of National Administration

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As there have been violent incidents in Bangkok Metropolitan area and other areas in Thailand, continually resulting in injuries, losses of innocent lives and damages to properties; and as these incidents appear to be escalating and may precipitate further unrest and violent public disorder in many areas, thereby threatening national security and safety of the general public;

Thus, in order to ensure a prompt return to normalcy in the nation, harmony and unity among Thai citizens, to reform political, economic, social and other national structure, as well as to ensure fairness to all sides, the National Peace and Order Maintaining Council, comprising the Royal Thai Army, the Royal Thai Armed Forces, the Royal Thai Navy, the Royal Thai Air Force, and the Royal Thai Police, found it necessary to take control of national administration from 16.30 hrs on 22 May 2014 onwards.     

All citizens are asked to remain calm and carry on their normal activities and professions.  All civil servants are asked to perform their duties in accordance with the codes of civil service.
 
Security personnel including military and police officers, volunteers, and government officials who carry firearms as part of their official duties are prohibited from mobilizing their forces and arms, except when ordered by the Head of the National Peace and Order Maintaining Council.

The National Peace and Order Maintaining Council pledges to protect all diplomatic missions, consulates, international organizations, as well as all foreign nationals residing in Thailand.  The Council also confirms that all diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and international missions remain unchanged from their status under the previous government.

The National Peace and Order Maintaining Council pledges its allegiance and loyalty to protect and uphold with reverence the monarchy, which is the heart and soul of the nation and remains above all conflicts.

Announced on 22 May B.E. 2557 (2014).

General Prayut Chan-O-Cha
                         Head of the National Peace and Order Maintaining Council