Thailand's armed forces staged a coup on Tuesday night, deploying tanks around the prime minister's offices in Bangkok and taking control of television broadcasts. Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin led the takeover, with martial law declared across the capital and surrounding provinces.
A televised announcement identified the new ruling body as the "Council of Administrative Reform," with King Bhumibol Adulyadej recognized as head of state. The statement said the transfer of power had been completed without resistance and asked citizens for their cooperation.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was attending the UN General Assembly in New York when the coup occurred. He had been facing mounting pressure to resign over corruption and abuse-of-power allegations. From New York, he attempted to declare a state of emergency through a state-owned broadcaster.
At least 14 tanks surrounded the Government House complex. Military forces also arrested two senior Thaksin allies: Deputy Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit and Defense Minister Thammarak Isaragura na Ayuthaya. Chitchai subsequently agreed to step down from his post.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in September 2006, in its own words.