BB FANS

A curfew has begun across Thailand after the army announced it had taken control and suspended the constitution following months of political turmoil.

The army chief imposed the 22:00 to 05:00 curfew, along with a ban on political gatherings and suspension of normal television programming.

Key political figures have been detained and others ordered to report to the military.

The army said it needed to restore order and enact political reforms.

It declared martial law on Tuesday but then gathered political leaders together for talks on the crisis.

However, army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha went on air on Thursday to announce the coup.

Several key figures at the talks, including opposition protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban and pro-government protest leader Jatuporn Prompan, were detained.

BBC

Thailand coup: tourists confined to hotels and city streets deserted after curfew announced

TV and radio stations forced off the air and military patrols enforce night-time curfew across the nation

Telegraph

Thailand junta threatens social media block

Thailand's new ruling junta has warned it will block any social media platforms containing content critical of the country's military leaders, Agence France-Presse has reported.

In a bulletin on national television laying out new restrictions after declaring a military coup, the junta reportedly urged "cooperation from social media operators and all involved to stop such messages that incite violence, break the law or criticise the coup council."

"If we find any to be in violation, we will suspend the service immediately and will summon those responsible for prosecution," it added, according to AFP.

ITV News

Thailand's ex-PM Yingluck Shinawatra and a number of family members and politicians have been detained, as leaders of Thursday's military coup tightened their grip on power. BBC