Thailand's new military junta announced it suspended the country's constitution Thursday.
The news came a few hours after Thailand's army chief announced a military takeover of the government, saying the coup was necessary to restore stability and order after six months of political deadlock and turmoil.
Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha made the announcement in a broadcast on national television that the commission that imposed martial law Tuesday would now take control of the country's administration.
"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," Prayuth said.
Prayuth also announced a nationwide curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
There was no immediate sign of soldiers patrolling central Bangkok, but troops dispersed the two protest sites where competing groups were camped out — one backing the ousted government and one that had struggled for six months to unseat it. There were no signs of resistance or reports of violence.
Long lines formed at the city's elevated train and subway stations as panicked office workers tried to rush home before the curfew.
The developments followed two days of army-mediated meetings between the country's rival political leaders that failed to break the impasse. The meetings were held at an army facility in Bangkok.
Shortly before the announcements were made, armed soldiers in military vehicles surrounded the building, apparently to block those inside from leaving.
Many of the country's highest-profile figures were summoned for the meeting. They included the acting prime minister — who sent four Cabinet ministers in his place — and anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, as well as Suthep's rival from the pro-government Red Shirt group, Jatuporn Prompan. Reporters at the meeting said Suthep and Jatuporn were escorted out of the meeting by soldiers.
A government official, Paradorn Pattanathabutr, contacted shortly after the announcements, said that the four ministers attending the meeting were still being held by the military.
"The rest of us who are outside are still fine and in the safe places. However, the situation is very worrying. We have to monitor it closely and don't know what else can happen," he said.
Thailand has been gripped by bouts of political instability for more than seven years.
The latest round of unrest started in November, when demonstrators took to the streets to try to force Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down. They accused her of being a proxy for her popular billionaire brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup and now lives in self-imposed exile to avoid a jail sentence on a corruption conviction.
The coup announced Thursday was the 12th since the country's absolute monarchy ended in 1932.
Prayuth said that the military would "provide protection" for foreigners in Thailand.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Source: Foxnews
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