Several Sacramento State students witnessed history in the making Tuesday as Thailand’s military took to the streets and gained control of the government in Bangkok. Tanks and armed soldiers surrounded key government buildings and television studios in the capitol city.

“It shouldn’t be called a revolution or a coup d’etat because both terms are misleading,” said Dwight Turner, a senior teaching English in Bangkok, via Internet communications. “Things were quiet on the morning after as everyone heard the news.”

Other Sac State students in Thailand include former staff writers of The State Hornet, Jen White and Kyle Hardwick. They could not be reached for comment as of press time via phone, e-mail and Internet communications.

Thai military forces, led by army commander Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin, seized control of the country while Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was in New York attending the U.N. General Assembly, according to the Associated Press.

Turner said news of the takeover was somewhat unclear at first, and was very unexpected.

“I actually got a text at about 1 a.m. here from one of my professors at Sac State asking if I was OK,” Turner said. “Then I knew something was wrong and I got up to check the Internet.”

Even though information on this takeover may not have been widely spread at first, communications professor Tom Knutson said it was expected.

“I’m surprised it hadn’t happened earlier,” Knutson said. He is responsible for the program by which the students are allowed to teach English in Bangkok. He downplayed some of the reactions to the takeover.

“The media seems to be playing this up in a sensational way,” Knutson said. “A recent poll shows that over 80 percent of the population in Thailand support (the takeover).”

Turner said: “I think most people are sad that it had to come to this, but are pleased with the coup, especially because no blood was shed.”

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej has voiced his support for the removal of Shinawatra, who is currently in a London hotel, according to the AP.

“(Shinawatra) had a reputation for being corrupt,” Knutson said.

Turner, who plans to stay in Thailand until March of 2007, seemed optimistic for the future.

Turner said, “I feel very safe and comfortable in Thailand, even though I live and work very close to where things happened.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cody Kitaura can be reached at [email protected]