The Korea Herald

피터빈트

Former Thai PM Yingluck detained by military

By 서지연

Published : May 24, 2014 - 13:48

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Former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has been detained by the military junta that seized power in a coup, a source in her Puea Thai party said on Saturday.

"It is confirmed that she was detained by the military since she reported to the junta yesterday," said the source, who was present when Yingluck answered a call to report to the army on Friday.

"We are unsure of her whereabouts because the military confiscated her mobile phones and those of her aides," said the source, who had served in Yingluck's government.

Yingluck was removed from office in a controversial court ruling earlier this month that set the stage for the military takeover announced on Thursday by army chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha.

She was among 155 prominent figures from both sides of Thailand's bitter political divide who the army has said were summoned, which also included her successor, now-deposed caretaker premier Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan.  

Most of those summoned appear to have been Puea Thai members or prominent supporters.  

They were also banned from leaving the country, a step analysts said appeared aimed at averting formation of a government-in-exile.  

Yingluck reported to a Bangkok army facility on Friday morning. The Bangkok Post quoted military and other sources as saying she was subsequently taken to another unspecified army installation.

Yingluck's aide Wim Rungwattanajinda told AFP on Friday the former premier was thought to have been taken to a military camp outside the capital. (AFP)