The majors news networks are offering up wildly conflicting reports, but this is breaking news everywhere.  Tanks are in the streets and CNN is reporting that Thailand's Prime Minister has declared a state of emergency.

The military says it this is only a troop rotation.

Reuters Link

-b0b
(...wowz0rs.)

Tanks are heading toward government buildings in Bangkok.  Here's an updated report.


Quote:

Coup rumors widely spread in Thailand: Xinhua+ Sep 19 11:10 AM US/Eastern (Kyodo) _ Coup rumors were widely spread Tuesday night after the 3rd and 5th Army areas moved their four battalions out, China's official Xhinhua News Agency reported, quoting a military source. But officers from the two army areas were quoted as saying the forces were moved to be stationed in the three southern border provinces as part of personnel rotation there. The 31st Infantry Regimen also moved out its personnel as part of the rotation with soldiers in the deep South, officers was quoted by the Thai multimedia group the Nation as saying. The 23rd and 24th Cavalry Battalions and the Second Cavalry Division also moved out their personnel to rotate with soldiers at the Pha Muang Task Force in Phetchabun Province, Xinhua reported. Some officers said the massive movements of the soldiers apparently led to the coup rumors, according to the Nation.

-b0b
(...keeps an eye on the story.)

Report:  20 troops have entered the Government House in Bangkok.  The Thai Prime Minister has relieved the head of the Army.  Thailand's Army TV station is playing patriotic songs.

Looks like it is on.

-b0b
(...GET SOME!)

This just in from Stratfor...


Quote:

Red Alert: Thailand - Military Movement in Bangkok The Thai military moved tanks around government headquarters in Bangkok the evening of Sept. 19 as part of an apparent army coup. Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is in New York, and he will not be able to return until some sort of compromise has been made. Thaksin tried to make a statement on television regarding a state of emergency, but the programming was interrrupted to show pictures of Thai royalty while songs associated with former military coups played in the background. The tanks moved in shortly after Thaksin issued a state of emergency and ordered army Commander in Chief Sondhi Boonyaratkalin to report to Deputy Prime Minister Pol. Gen. Chidchai Wannasathit. It is unclear whether this is an attempted coup, preventative military action or a countercoup. Meanwhile, things are relatively calm in Bankgkok. No soldiers have been patrolling the streets, no curfew has been declared and the airport is open.

-b0b
(...thinks things are warming up.)

It's perfect for the military too.  The prime minister is in the US right now and he said that once he gets back things should return to normal.  I think this guy is nuts!!!  Also, the military is supporting the king.  I don't know much about Tialand other than they make a lot of our crap...this is just weird.

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