Thailand’s army chief announces military coup

Thailand’s army chief announced a military takeover of the government Thursday, saying the coup was necessary to restore stability and order after six months of political deadlock and turmoil.

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha announced in a statement broadcast on national television that the commission that imposed martial law Tuesday would now take control of the country’s administration.

“It is necessary for the Peace and Order Maintaining Command — which includes army, navy, armed forces and police — to take control of governing the country,” Prayuth said.

The development followed two days of army-mediated meetings between the country’s rival political leaders that failed to break the impasse. The meetings were held at an army facility in Bangkok.

Shortly before the announcement was made, armed soldiers in military vehicles surrounded the building, apparently to block those inside from leaving.

Thailand has been gripped by bouts of political instability for more than seven years.

The latest round of unrest started in November, when demonstrators took to the streets to try to force Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down. They accused her of being a proxy for her popular billionaire brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup and now lives in self-imposed exile to avoid a jail sentence on a corruption conviction.

The coup announced Thursday was the 12th since the country’s absolute monarchy ended in 1932.