Thailand military seizes power in coup

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Media captionThe moment Jonah Fisher and other reporters realised a coup was under way




The coup follows months of political turmoil in Thailand.



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Media captionThailand's coup explained - in 60 seconds


The broadcast media have been told to suspend all normal programming.

The BBC's Jonah Fisher, in Bangkok:

What we're hearing is that soldiers have moved rapidly to consolidate their position, moving in on the "red shirt" camp, the broad protest movement linked to the government, on the outskirts of Bangkok. They are also moving towards the anti-government demonstrators' camp in the centre of town.


Most people are expecting the "red shirts" to rally now and are extremely concerned about the possibility of confrontation.

Why is Thailand under military rule?

Gen Prayuth said he had taken over power because "of the violence in Bangkok and many parts of the country that resulted in loss of innocent lives and property, [which] was likely to escalate".


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Media captionFootage showed the moment political leaders were driven away from the talks

In a later a statement read on television the military said that "in order to run the country smoothly, [it has] suspended the constitution of 2007, except for the chapter on the monarchy".

The statement said Gen Prayuth would head a ruling military body - the National Peace and Order Maintaining Council - but that the upper house of parliament and courts would continue to function.

Image copyright AP
Image caption Journalists were ushered away from the area where talks had been held
Image copyright Reuters
Image caption Troops enter a pro-government protest camp in Nakhon Pathom province
Image copyright AFP
Image caption Anti-government protesters pack up their camp in Bangkok ahead of the 22:00 curfew

The army has ordered acting PM Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan and his ministers to report to the military on Thursday "in order to keep peace and order".

The TV statement also carried a ban on "political gatherings" of more than five people, adding: "Anyone who violates the ban will be subject to a one-year jail term, 10,000 baht ($307) fine, or both."

The UN human rights office has urged the new Thai authorities "to take all necessary measures to ensure fundamental human rights are respected".


Yingluck removed



Demonstrators have blockaded several areas of Bangkok for months.

Earlier this month, a court ordered Ms Yingluck's removal for alleged abuse of power.




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