Martial law
The week's news at a glance.
Narathiwat, Thailand
The government declared martial law in Muslim regions of southern Thailand this week in an effort to quell an insurgency. Under the Emergency Powers Law, decreed by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the government can now tap phones, detain people without charge, and ban public gatherings. Opposition leaders said the new law was dictatorial. “Giving the authorities broader power could lead to increased violence and eventually a real crisis,” said former prime minister Anand Panyarachun. He said Muslim violence was often sparked by inept or unfair practices by local officials. Some 900 people have been killed in sporadic uprisings over the past 18 months.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The struggles of Aston Martin
In the Spotlight The car manufacturer, famous for its association with the James Bond franchise, is ‘running out of road’
-
The end of ‘golden ticket’ asylum rights
The Explainer Refugees lose automatic right to bring family over and must ‘earn’ indefinite right to remain
-
Grecotel Luxme Dama Dama: Greek luxury with a breezy beach vibe
The Week Recommends Rhodes is reimagined in this refined and relaxed resort