Thailand's Army declares martial law, denies coup

Earlier this month, the Constitutional Court ousted Ms. Yingluck and nine Cabinet ministers earlier this month for abuse of power, but the move has done little to resolve the political conflict that largely pits the rural poor majority who support Ms. Yingluck and her opponents that largely come from the urban middle and upper class.

The military statement was signed by Army chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha, who later read it on air and asked people not to panic.

The leader of the pro-government Red Shirt movement, Jatuporn Prompan, said his group could accept the imposition of martial law, but said they “won't tolerate a coup or other non-constitutional means” to grab power.

“We will see what the Army wants,” he said, warning that the undemocratic removal the country's caretaker government “will never solve the country's crisis and will plunge Thailand deeper into trouble.”