Thai Military Declares Martial Law

World Today

Thailand’s army declared martial law before dawn Tuesday in a surprise announcement it said was aimed at keeping the country stable after six months of sometimes violent political unrest.

The military, however, denied a coup d’etat was underway. The move effectively places the army in charge of public security nationwide.

It comes one day after the Southeast Asian country’s caretaker prime minister refused to step down and follows six months of anti-government demonstrations that have failed to oust the government.

CCTV’s Tony Cheng reports.

Thai Military Declares Martial Law

Thailand's army declared martial law before dawn Tuesday in a surprise announcement it said was aimed at keeping the country stable after six months of sometimes violent political unrest.