Everyday life has been continuing despite the tanks on the streets

Enlarge Image



They also say they have assumed legislative powers and duties in the absence of a parliament.

Two of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra's ministers were detained by the military leaders, joining his deputy PM and top aide who were already being held.

Mr Thaksin said he planned a "deserved rest", but called for quick elections.

Coup leader Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin has proposed a year-long transitional period as a constitution is drafted.

But opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva challenged the military's timeframe and called for elections in six months.

US Assistant Secretary of State Chris Hill said the country was reviewing its aid to Thailand, and described the coup as a "very sad development" for Thai democracy.

Mounting restrictions

Bangkok residents returned to work on Thursday for the first time since Tuesday's bloodless takeover, with tanks continuing to patrol the capital's streets.

The country has to move forward and the best way forward is for the coup leaders to quickly return power to the people and carry out reforms they promised

Abhisit Vejjajiva

Opposition leader

'Deserved rest' for Thaksin Regional press worried

It also summoned the editors of a number of television stations and asked them not to broadcast opinions from the public sent in by text message.

The military has been blocking broadcasts it deems harmful, and had already forbidden gatherings of more than five people.

A statement said the restrictions on political activity would be reversed when normality returned.

The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says opinion polls suggest most Thais - both urban and rural - have accepted the military takeover as a necessary step to end the crisis over Mr Thaksin's leadership.

But, he says, they may be less willing to accept the military leaders' mounting restrictions.

Call for elections

But Mr Thaksin, speaking from London where his is on a private visit, called for national reconciliation.

BBC readers send in their coup pictures and experiences

In pictures



Mr Abhisit, who leads the Democrat party, the main opposition to Mr Thaksin, said he was not overly alarmed by the coup leaders' new measures but wanted clarification.

He earlier denied that a new constitution was needed, and said elections could be held in six months.

"The country has to move forward and the best way forward is for the coup leaders to quickly return power to the people and carry out reforms they promised," he said.

King's backing

The coup followed months of growing tension in Thailand, with protests against Mr Thaksin and a general election which was annulled due to concerns about its legitimacy.

HAVE YOUR SAY The coup leaders are showing absolute disdain for the democratic process

Andrew Murphy, London

Send us your comments

The coup leader has promised to appoint a new prime minister within two weeks, and said the interim government would draft a new constitution with the aim of restoring democracy within a year.

Internationally, the coup has been widely condemned.

According to Thai state TV, Thailand's revered head of state, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has given his backing to Gen Sonthi.

The general is believed to be close to the king, although he says the monarch had nothing to do with the actual coup.

Correspondents in Bangkok say securing the endorsement of the 78-year-old monarch is crucial to the success of the military intervention.