Tanks and other armoured vehicles surrounded Government House in the Thai capital Bangkok late on Tuesday after the army mounted a coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Army Commander-in-Chief General Sondhi Boonyaratkalin's troops struck while Thaksin was abroad, seizing control of television stations and declaring a provisional authority loyal to the king.
Sondhi signed an announcement on national television saying that martial law had been declared across Thailand and the Constitution revoked.
Speaking in New York city, Thailand's government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said Thaksin had known about the situation and was confident to crush the coup.
 “We are confirmed that they can not succeed. Nowadays, nobody can accept a coup anymore. Because democracy in Thailand has developed to some measure of maturity.”
Surapong was in New York with Thaksin as part of the Thai delegation attending the 61st UN General Assembly.
Thailand's prime minister is expected (plz check with exact time) to address the UN General Assembly on Tuesday evening, a day earlier than planned due to the events back home.
The move came a day before a major rally was to be staged in Bangkok which has been seeking his resignation for alleged corruption and abuse of power.
Thaksin was forced to dissolve the Parliament earlier this year.
|
Director: Liu Chi