Thailand’s Army today seized power in a bloodless coup. It suspended the Constitution and declared night curfew nationwide after months of anti-government protests left the country in limbo. The military junta also ordered all television and radio stations to suspend their usual programmes and replace with the army's statements. Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha in a nationally televised address said, the coup was necessary to restore stability and order after six months of political deadlock and turmoil.
The pivotal development came after General Prayuth declared martial law on Tuesday in what he called a bid to resolve the crisis and a day later summoned the country’s rival political leaders for face-to-face talks. Two days of talks failed to break the impasse.
The military has attempted 18 coups, including 11 successful ones, since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932. It acted after political violence claimed 28 lives and left hundreds wounded.