“In order for the country to return to normal quickly, the National Peace Keeping Committee comprising the army, the Thai armed forces, the Royal Air Force and the police need to seize power as of May 22 at 4.30 pm,” army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha said.
The commander-in-chief, who invoked martial law on Tuesday, said the coup was needed to prevent the conflict escalating.
“All Thais must remain calm and government officials must work as normal,” he added.
The move came after military-hosted talks between the kingdom’s political rivals apparently failed to reach a compromise on ending nearly seven months of mass protests on the streets of Bangkok.
Rival protest leaders at the talks – which were held at a heavily guarded military facility in the capital – were seen being taken away in army trucks, but it was unclear whether they had been formally detained.
They comprised leaders of the caretaker government, the UDD (Red Shirts), the Pheu Thai Party, the Democrat Party and the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee.
They included:
From the Government: Chaikasem Nitisiri, Warathep Rattanakorn, Sermsak Pongpanich, Chatchachat Sitthipan and Thanusak Lek-Uthai
From the Puea Thai Party: Pol Lt Gen Wirote Pao-In, Pumitham Wetchayachai, Chusak Sirinin, Wanmuhamadnor Mata and Prompong Nopparit
From the Democrat Party: Abhisit Vejjajiva, Juti Kraireuk, Sirichoke Sopa, Nipit Intarasombat and Chamni Sakdisert
From the PRDC: Suthep Taugsuban, Satit Wongnongtoei, Ekanan Prompan, Sombat Thamrongthanyawong and Somsak Kosaiyasuk
Freom the UDD: Jatuporn Prompan, Nattawut Saikeua, Tida Thavornset, Werakarn Musikkapong and Korkaew Pikulthong.
“In order for the country to return to normal quickly, the National Peace Keeping Council comprising the army, the Thai armed forces, the Royal Air Force and the police need to seize power as of May 22 at 4.30 pm,” army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha said.
The commander-in-chief, who invoked martial law on Tuesday, said the coup was needed to prevent the conflict escalating.
“All Thais must remain calm and government officials must work as normal,” he added.
The move came after military-hosted talks between the kingdom’s political rivals apparently failed to reach a compromise on ending nearly seven months of mass protests on the streets of Bangkok.
Rival protest leaders at the talks – which were held at a heavily guarded military facility in the capital – were seen being taken away in army trucks, but it was unclear whether they had been formally detained.
In his speech at 4:30, Gen Prayuth said, “Violent situations have been happening in Bangkok and in many other areas in the Kingdom, killing many people and damaging state property. The violation have been getting worse and worse.
In his telivised address, Gen Prayuth said, “To solve this problem and to bring society into harmony as before, and to reform the society, the economy, the politics and so on, the National Peace-Keeping Council – which includes the Royal Thai Army, Thai army headquarters, the Royal Thai Navy, the Royal Thai Airforce, and the national police – needs to control Thailand with effect from May 22, 16.30 hours.
“Everybody should be peaceful. Live your lives and work as normal. Government sections should also work as usual.
“For soldiers, police officers, volunteers and government officers who carry weapons when working, you must not use those weapons without specific permission from the National Peace Keeping Council.
“For foreign organization such as embassies, consulates, foreign organizations as well as foreigners who live in Thailand, please be informed that we will protect you and our relationship with your countries remains the same.
"We will be loyal and preserve forever the Royal Institution – which is at the centre of Thai people’s hearts and above all conflict.”
Additional reporting by The Phuket News.