'Thailand democracy not working' - former foreign minister

The chief of the army in Thailand has announced on national television that the military has taken control of the country.

The announcement was made shortly after some political leaders were taken away by the army while attending talks on the political crisis.

Troops have now moved to disperse rival groups of protesters who had set up camps in and around the Thai capital, Bangkok.

Kasit Piromya, a former Thai foreign minister, believes the military takeover was necessary.