The Thai military announced it has taken over the country in a coup d'état, less than a week after the military denied it was planning a takeover.
The military's chief made the announcement on Thursday during a televised speech to the nation, CNN reported. The military also implemented a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time, or 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
Thailand has faced a recent political crisis involving those for and against the government. On Tuesday the military declared martial law, claiming it needed "to preserve law and order" but said it was not taking over the government, the BBC reported.
Officials said the martial law would remain until they restored "peace and order."
Yet despite negotiation efforts it appears the military has taken complete control.
The military chief told the nation that people should go about their business as usual, CNN reported. Those who have weapons, including the police, are not to move them without approval, the chief said. Security will also be provided for foreigners on vacation and diplomats.
The nation is scheduled to hold elections in six to nine months. In the meantime, the interim prime minister said he and his cabinet will not be pushed out, despite the election officials' advice that they resign.
"This can't be done because it is illegal," Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan said in a statement obtained by CNN. "To find (a) solution, (it) must be done according to laws and under the constitution."
The interim prime minister took over when former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was ousted by a court order earlier this month. Anti-government factions claimed she abused her power by unconstitutionally reassigning a national security official for her own benefit.
The current political crisis began in November when Shinawatra tried to pass an amnesty bill that would allow her exiled brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to return. He was ousted during a coup in 2006, CNN reported.
Yingluck Shinawatra tried to call an early election to appease her critics. But opponents claim the elections would not be free and fair.
