Thai army chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha on Thursday declared a coup, saying the army has seized power in order to prevent further tensions in Bangkok
Bangkok: In a sudden move, Thailand's army on Thursday seized power in a bloodless coup, suspended the Constitution and declared night curfew after months of anti-government protests left the country in limbo.
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The military junta also ordered all television and radio stations to suspend their usual programmes and replace with the army's statements.
Making the announcement of military takeover, army chief Gen Prayut Chan-O-Cha in a nationally televised address said the step was necessary to prevent the conflict from escalating.
The 60-year-old tough-talking general asked all Thais to remain calm and said all government officials must work as normal.
"In order for the country to return to normal quickly the National Peace Keeping Committee comprised of the army, the Thai armed forces, the Royal Air Force and the police need to seize power as of May 22 at 4.30 pm (local time)," he said.
Declaring the night-time curfew, the military said: "Under martial law, the National Peace Keeping Committee prohibits anyone across the kingdom from leaving their home from 10 pm to 5 am."
All programmes on television and radio were replaced with the committee's announcements and broadcasts of patriotic music.
The move was to ensure the release of "accurate news to the people," an army spokesman said in a televised announcement.
The military leaders said the national Constitution had been suspended and ordered rival protesters to disperse and go home.
"In order to run the country smoothly, (coup leaders have) suspended the constitution of 2007, except for the chapter on the monarchy," said a statement read out on national television.
"In order to keep peace and order all protesters from every group must leave for their homes immediately," an army spokesman said in a televised address, adding that buses had been arranged to take them away.
Gen Prayut, who had declared martial law on Tuesday but denied it was a coup, said power would be held by the committee, which he will lead.
The military - which has attempted 18 coups, including 11 successful ones, since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932 - acted after political violence claimed 28 lives and left hundreds wounded. The military also prohibited gatherings of more than five persons at a time for "political purposes" and said anyone who violates the ban will be subject to a one-year jail term, 10,000 baht (USD 307) fine, or both.
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