[Dhaka Tribune] Thailand's army has declared martial law on Tuesday to restore order after six months of anti-government protests.But the army denied that it was staging a military coup, reports Rooters.
The surprise announcement was made on telivision at 3am (4pm EDT on Monday).
The caretaker government led by supporters of self-exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra was still in office, military officials and the country's justice minister said.
Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha later said the military was taking charge of public security because of violent protests that had claimed lives and caused damage.
Nearly 30 people have been killed since the protests began in November last year.
"We are concerned this violence could harm the country's security in general. Then, in order to restore law and order to the country, we have declared martial law," Prayuth said.