India cautions its citizens as Thailand army chief announces military coup there

BANGKOK: India strongly advised its nationals in Thailand on Thursday to take "abundant precautions" for their safety in view of the coup in the crisis-hit country.

The Indian Embassy here warned the citizens that the public transport including to and from the airport could be affected from 8pm (local time) onwards due to a nationwide curfew from 10pm to 5am.

The Embassy, while advising all Indian tourists and residents in Thailand to take "abundant precautions" for their safety, urged them to avoid moving around during that period and also avoid areas where demonstrations, political gatherings and marches were likely to take place.

"Those who have flights at night are advised to reach the airport well before curfew time," the embassy said in a notice, adding that they could also ask their hotel to coordinate transport with the military.

Thailand's army today seized power in a coup after nearly seven months of anti-government protests that left the country paralyzed.

Thailand's army announces military coup

In a sudden move, army today seized power in a coup in Thailand, pledging political reforms and restoring stability after nearly seven months of anti- government protests left the country deeply paralysed.

Making the announcement, army chief Gen Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who had declared martial law on Tuesday but denied it was a coup, in a televised statement said that the military takeover was necessary to prevent the conflict from escalating.

"In order for the country to return to normal quickly the National Peace Keeping Committee comprised of the army, the Thai armed forces, the Royal Air Force and the police need to seize power as of May 22 at 4.30 pm (local time)," he said.