The Thai military have imposed martial law under the guise of ‘preserving law and order’, but maintain that it is not a coup.

Military expressions of power are not uncommon in Thailand, which has seen 11 coups since 1932, and the Thai public have become suspicious that this is another attempt for the military to grab power, despite their assurances and their calls for both parties to talk and peacefully resolve their issues.

Soldiers have closed off road in Bangkok and taken control of media outlets such as television and radio stations in their bid to restore order.

The declaration of martial law comes after months of escalating tensions between the government and the opposition, with acting Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan urging the army to act “with no violence” as he pushed for fresh polls in August.

Opposition groups have rejected the election proposals, with some vowing to keep up their anti-government campaign despite the military presence on the streets.