In Reply to: It is the deep SOUTH, been going on posted by Tuberose on Wednesday, 20. September 2006 at 07:37 Bali Time:
in Bangkok.
Wednesday September 20, 08:51 AM
Australians in Thailand are safe: Downer
Australians in Thailand are safe despite an overnight coup and the declaration of martial law in the capital, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says.
The Thai army seized control in Bangkok last night without a shot being fired, dismissing Prime Minister Thaksin while he was in New York for the UN General Assembly.
The army revoked the constitution and promised a swift return to democracy after political reforms, as tanks and troops took over Government House in the nation's first coup in 15 years.
Armoured vehicles and soldiers took up positions on street corners, but life in most of Bangkok continued largely uninterrupted.
Mr Downer said Australians in Thailand were safe as far as he was aware.
"As far as we know at the moment, they are perfectly safe, yes," he told ABC radio.
But he said Australia's ambassador in Thailand, Bill Paterson, had told him martial law had been declared and a curfew system was in place.
"During the night the situation on the ground, according to our ambassador, has been pretty quiet, but we'll see what happens during the day."
Elections were expected to be held in Thailand towards the end of the year, Mr Downer said.
But he would not say whether Australia would deal with a military regime in the south-east Asian nation.
"Let's wait and see, let's take it day by day," he said.
"I'm just simply not sure what they're going to do and we'll have to wait and see.
"We'll just need to find out more about what's happened before we start to make policy changes in relation to Thailand."
Australia had an important trade and military relationship with Thailand and wanted to see a return to democratic rule as soon as possible, Mr Downer said.
"It's a matter of real concern to us that - at least it appears that - the military have simply seized power. They have not allowed the prime minister back into the country," he said.
"Certainly we want to see a return to democratic rule."
Australia has recognised military regimes in the past, like Pakistan, but it was too early to say whether the coup would affect Australia's military ties with Thailand, Mr Downer said.