BANGKOK, THAILAND — Thailand’s army chief seized power in a military coup Thursday, deposing its beleaguered civilian government in a bid to end months of deadly political turmoil but triggering US-led international censure.
The new military junta declared a nationwide curfew from 10 pm to 5 am and ordered demonstrators on both sides of the kingdom’s bitter divide off the streets after nearly seven months of political rallies in the capital.
The junta led by army chief Gen. Prayut Chan-O-Cha banned gatherings of more than five people, ordered the ousted cabinet to report to the army and suspended the constitution — except for the section related to the monarchy.
“All Thais must remain calm and government officials must work as normal,” Prayut said in a brief televised addressing announcing the takeover, flanked by four of his top officers.
Moments before the coup, there were dramatic scenes at a military-hosted meeting between the kingdom’s political rivals as army trucks blocked exits after the talks failed to reach a deal to end the deadlock.
Witnesses saw leaders of Thailand’s two main political parties and its rival protest movements taken away by the military. It was unclear if they had been formally detained but their whereabouts remained unknown hours later.
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