Thailand’s army chief announced today that the military has taken control of the government.
Thailand’s army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha (C) makes an announcement during a television broadcast in Bangkok May 22, 2014 in this still image taken from video. Prayuth seized control of the government in a coup on Thursday, two days after he declared martial law, saying the army had to restore order and push through reforms. Prayuth made the announcement in the television broadcast after a meeting to which he had summoned the rival factions in Thailand’s drawn-out political conflict, apparently with the aim of finding a solution to six months of anti-government protests. (REUTERS/Thai TV )
Opposition protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban and pro-government protest leader Jatuporn Prompan were taken away by the military.
The BBC reported:
Thailand’s military has announced it is taking control of the government and has suspended the constitution.
In a TV statement, army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha vowed to restore order and enact political reforms.
The cabinet has been told to report to the military, TV broadcasting is suspended and political gatherings are banned. A nationwide curfew will operate from 22:00 to 05:00 local time.
The coup follows months of political turmoil in Thailand.
On Tuesday the army imposed martial law. Talks were then held between the main political factions, but the army announced the coup on Thursday.
Key political figures, including opposition protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban and pro-government protest leader Jatuporn Prompan, were taken away from the talks venue after troops sealed off the area.
