In pictures: Thailand's coup
- Published
After six months of political turmoil, the sight of troops on the streets of Bangkok is hardly a novelty - even less since martial law was declared earlier this week
Inside the Army Club, political leaders were holding talks called by the military, while soldiers stood guard outside
Thailand's army chief, Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha (centre), went on TV to declare the military was taking over the government
The move delighted anti-government protesters, who have been camped in the centre of Bangkok since November
But those who support ex-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (pictured on hat) and her brother Thaksin were less pleased
The military moved quickly to establish control, imposing a curfew and ordering broadcasters to suspend normal programming
Amid all the tension, there were lighter moments - like this soldier holding hands with an anti-government protester
The military has asked people not to panic and to live their lives normally
The army provided buses for those who wanted to leave the protest camps
Some reports said soldiers had fired into the air at pro-government "red shirt" protest camps, but by the time night fell, there were no signs of major violence