Update | Curfew in force across Thailand after military seizes power in bloodless coup
Military leaders in Bangkok suspend constitution and media broadcasts, declare night-time curfews and a ban on gatherings and order political protesters to return home
Thailand’s army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha took control of the government in a coup and suspended the constitution on Thursday, saying the army had to restore order and push through reforms, two days after he declared martial law.
The cabinet has been told to report to the military, radio and television broadcasts have been suspended and gatherings of more than groups of five people have been banned. The Thai army also declared a nationwide curfew which will run from 10pm until 5 am.
Prayuth made the announcement in a television broadcast after he held a meeting with all rival factions aimed at finding a solution to six months of anti-government protests.
“In order for the situation to return to normal quickly and for society to love and be at peace again ... and to reform the structure of the political, economic and social structure, the military needs to take control of power,” Prayuth said in the televised announcement.
The Hong Kong government raised the travel alert for Thailand to red in the wake of the coup, warning visitors to Thailand to adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel to the country.
Hours after announcing the coup, Thai military officials ordered protesters from rival political groups on the streets of Bangkok to go home and said the military would provide transport. Deputy army spokesman Winthai Suvaree gave the order in a televised statement after the army said it was taking control of the government following months of political turmoil.