Thai Army says ex-PM Yingluck detained ‘to think’

Thailand’s coup leaders said on Saturday that they would keep former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Cabinet members and anti-government protest leaders detained for up to a week to give them “time to think” and to keep the country calm. They also summoned outspoken academics to report to the junta.

The moves appear aimed at preventing any political leaders or other high-profile figures from rallying opposition to the military, which seized power on Thursday after months of protests and deadlock between the elected government and protesters supported by Thailand’s elite establishment.

For a second day, hundreds of anti-coup protesters defied the military’s ban on large gatherings and shouted slogans and waved signs outside a Bangkok cinema.

The demonstrators vowed to march to a nearby Army base, but soldiers with riot shields prevented them.

Most of Bangkok, however, remained calm on Saturday, and there was little military presence on the streets.

Deputy Army spokesman Col. Weerachon Sukondhapatipak said that all the detainees were being well-treated and that the aim of the military was to achieve a political compromise.

“This is in a bid for everybody who is involved in the conflict to calm down and have time to think,” Col. Weerachon said. “We don’t intend to limit their freedom, but it is to relieve the pressure.”

The military leaders also summoned an additional 35 people, including more politicians, political activists and, for the first time, outspoken academics, to “maintain peace and order.” It was not immediately clear whether they would be detained.

One of those on the list, Kyoto University professor of Southeast Asian studies Pavin Chachavalpongpun, said by telephone from Japan that he would not turn himself in. He said the summons meant the junta felt insecure.

US suspends aid

The United States suspended $3.5 million in military aid on Friday, and State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Washington was reviewing a further $7 million in direct U.S. assistance. The U.S. also recommended Americans reconsider any non-essential travel to Thailand.