Thailand protests: Thai army declares martial law

A Thai soldier stands in front of a portrait of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej as he patrols near government buildings in Bangkok

Thailand's military has announced it is imposing martial law to restore order after months of street protests which have paralysed the country’s governance.

For the 19th time in Thailand’s history, the head of the armed forces said martial law was being imposed across the country. He insisted that the military’s actions were in line with a century-old provision within the constitution that permitted the armed forces to step in to preserve law and order. Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha insisted the move was not a coup and the caretaker government remained in place.