Thailand army declares martial law

The Thai army says that it is imposing martial law amid a political crisis "to preserve law and order," the BBC reported.

The surprise announcement also granted the army wide-ranging powers to enforce its decision.

The military insisted that its assumption of responsibility for national security was not a coup.

Martial law comes amid a long-running political crisis, and months of escalating tensions between the government and the opposition.

The chief security advisor to the interim prime minister said the government had not been consulted about the army's decision.

"Everything is normal except the military is responsible for all national security issues," said Paradorn Pattanatabut.

An army spokesman said that the imposition of martial law will have no impact on the caretaker government which remains in office.