Thailand's army launched a military coup 4.30 pm local time today, suspending the constitution and taking over control of the country, two days after martial law was imposed.
See here, here and here.
Shortly after the announcement, a curfew from 22:00 till 05:00 was imposed. Pro and anti government protest leaders have been arrested, with many other individuals ordered to report to the military. Political gatherings and television broadcasts outside of the army networks have been suspended.
In a televised statement, the Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, said "it is necessary for the Peace and Order Maintaining Command – which includes army, navy, armed forces and police – to take control of governing the country".
Avoiding the word "coup", he stated that a military take over was needed "in order for the country to return to normality quickly" and "reform the political structure, the economy and society.
See here, here and here.
Shortly after the announcement, a curfew from 22:00 till 05:00 was imposed. Pro and anti government protest leaders have been arrested, with many other individuals ordered to report to the military. Political gatherings and television broadcasts outside of the army networks have been suspended.
In a televised statement, the Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, said "it is necessary for the Peace and Order Maintaining Command – which includes army, navy, armed forces and police – to take control of governing the country".
Avoiding the word "coup", he stated that a military take over was needed "in order for the country to return to normality quickly" and "reform the political structure, the economy and society.