Thai army declares martial law 'to restore law and order'
Thailand's army have declared a state of emergency, "to restore law and order" after six months of anti-government protests.
Thai army ask for protesters to stop and cooperate
Thailand's army has declared martial law, intensifying the country's political crisis, but said the state of emergency was not a coup.
In the shocking overnight announcement, the army declared they will be in charge of public security nationwide, after six months of anti-government protests.
Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said the military was taking charge because of violent protests that had claimed lives and caused damage.
Nearly 30 people have been killed since protests started last November. Prayuth said:
"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.
"I'm asking all those activist groups to stop all activities and cooperate with us in seeking a way out of this crisis."
More top news
-
Joe Biden vows to fight racial inequality with economic agenda
The Democratic presidential candidate may also have shown his cards on his choice of running mate.
-
Trump reverts to promoting unproven drug as coronavirus treatment
The US president also shared a post on Twitter accusing Dr Anthony Fauci of misleading the public over hydroxychloroquine.
-
What the papers say – July 29
Fears over an impending second wave of coronavirus dominates Wednesday’s front pages.