Thailand

The Thai military has announced it has taken control of the country in a coup.

Thailand's army chief seized power Thursday in a bloodless coup mounting the country's 12th military takeover since 1932 in what he called a necessary move to restore stability after nearly seven months of political deadlock and deadly violence.

Thailand's powerful army declared martial law Tuesday and deployed troops into the heart of Bangkok in a dramatic move it said was aimed at stabilizing the Southeast Asian country after six months of turbulent political unrest.

Citing a century-old law, the head of Thailand’s Army declared what he described as nationwide martial law early Tuesday and urged protesters who have paralyzed the government and blocked elections to “stop their movement.” The order also appeared to apply to pro-government demonstrators who are leading a separate protest.

Thailand's armed forces declared martial law in a surprise predawn move Tuesday, but said they weren't staging a coup d'etat to end the country's sometimes violent political conflicts.

Thailand's Army chief denies that he's staged a coup, insisting that he would return power to civilians provided warring political factions can strike a deal to end months of destabilizing protests.

The Thai army declared martial law Tuesday in a move that an aide to the countrys embattled Prime Minister said the government didnt know about beforehand.

A Thai court on Wednesday ordered Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra removed from office, a highly divisive move and a victory for the powerful antigovernment movement that has sought to overthrow the government in Bangkok for the last six months.

Thailand's Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from office for abusing her power when she demoted the country's top security adviser.