BANGKOK IN STATE OF EMERGENCY

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28217, 4 March 1957, Page 9

BANGKOK IN STATE OF EMERGENCY

Tension After Election Fraud Allegation (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8 p.m.) BANGKOK, March 2. Thailand’s Government, in the midst of opposition allegations that the Thai elections held on February 26 were fraudulent, today declared a state of emergency throughout the country and flung a cordon of tanks, heavily armed soldiers and police around the capital of Bangkok. The action came after a pre-dawn Cabinet meeting when the Government radio warned that an “organised group conspiring with foreign nationals” planned to take over control of t.ie country. A high ranking diplomatic source said there was no apparent internal split in the Government and the deputy' Defence Minister, Field-Marshal Sarit Thanarat, was appointed overall commander of the armed forces, including the police.

In a tense city, tank crews with guns trained on bridges and road junctions and heavily armed paratroopers remained on the watch. A planned student demonstration in the centre of the city did not take place although groups of students were in the streets. The newspaper, “Bangkok World,” which generally reflects the view of the Police General. Phao Sriyanond, who is known as the country’s “strong man.” appeared on the streets five hours later than usual. The newspaper said in a front page article that the Prime Minister, Marshal Pibul Songgram, had left Bangkok. New Leader Wanted The newspaper also said that leaders of the armed forces had asked General Sarit to take over the leadership of the country. These reports could not be checked from any Government source. “Bangkok World” also quoted a spokesman for the opposition Democrat Party as saying that the courts would be asked to declare the elections null and void. Earlier, "Bangkok Tribune,” which generally supports the Prime Minister, had said the Government party was willing to hold new elections if the courts nullified the polling for any reason. A reliable diplomatic source said that the Government appeared determined to prevent any demonstrations in Bangkok where the Government won the elections. There were no reports in Bangkok of the situation in the provinces. Forces Dispute An American Associated Press report from Singapore said that passengers arriving by air from Bangkok said that Thailand’s Army and Navy were feuding over the results of the election, but that there had been no violence up to noon today. The Prime Minister declared censorship throughout the kingdom and prohibited the gathering of more than five persons. In Tokyo, the United Press said, the Scandinavian Airlines system said that its Bangkok office sent a radio message which apparently escaped censorship. It reported that the Government acted to forestall a threatened coup d’etat after accusations of Government fraud in Tuesday’s elections. Embassies Warned The United States Embassy in Bangkok reported to the State Department in that there were “student demonstrations and unrest” in the Thai capital. Mr Songgram warned all foreign embassies to have their citizens keep away from the street crowds.

In a radio message to the nation. Field .Marshal Thanarat pledged to protect the King and the Constitution. “I hereby declare I assume the duty, and confirm that for the safety of the King, the nation, religion and the Constitution nothing serious will happen.” the new supreme commander said. “I will take action against any who cause trouble harmful to the King, nation and religion.*’

Election Results The emergency came before final returns were announced from last Tuesday's elections. Early reports had placed the candidates of the Government party, headed by the Prime Minister. in the lead. An estimated 6.000,000 to 7.000.000 persons voted in the election to decide one-half the membership in the enlarged 320seat National Assembly. The other half, appointed by the Government through the King, will be controlled by Mr Songgram's Administration until 1962, when the system is scheduled to be abolished. Twenty-four parties, revived or newly created in the liberalisation trend introduced after the 1952 elections, had 966 candidates in the field for the 160 elected assembly seats. Those elected were to remain in office for four years.