Martial law declared in Thailand
Thailand's army has imposed martial law on the country. It claims, however, that the move was not a coup. As the conflict continues to smolder, there is no guarantee that the army can pacify the situation.
The soldiers march in
Thailand has been caught up in a domestic political conflict for the last six months - and now the army has stepped in. According to the military chief, the move is meant to restore "peace and order" and the country's government is still in power. Since the start of the unrest in November 2013, at least 25 people have been killed and 700 have been injured.
'Not a coup'
In a televised speech, Thai army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said the military's involvement was necessary to prevent further casualties. "Do not panic," he said, adding that people should carry on with their lives as normal so that the situation can stabilize quickly. Government officials have claimed that the declaration of martial law took them by surprise.
Censorship
Thai troops occupy a TV broadcaster's headquarters, stating that their aim is to stop the politicians from disturbing the public with their diatribes. Several broadcasters in Bangkok were forced to air the army's official statements. The troops have shut down 10 television stations altogether.
Closely monitored
Many of Bangkok's streets are under surveillance, including the protest encampments, though demonstrations have no been banned. Despite all the political turmoil, everyday life in the Thai capital seems to go on. The shops are open, people are going to work and the streets are buzzing with life.
A controversial figure
The original trigger of the crisis dates back to 2001, when Thaksin Shinawatra became Thailand's prime minister. Thai society has been deeply divided since then. Shinawatra's opponents have accused him of corruption and abuse of power - he made billions in untaxed profit by selling shares. His supporters, however, see him as a beacon of hope and demand that he return from his self-imposed exile.
Country vs. city
The political divide cuts the country in half. On one side is the impoverished, largely rural northeast, which supports the government. On the other are the city dwellers and residents of the affluent south - the anti-government camp.
Criticism of amnesty law
Government opponents have been protesting on the streets since November. They accuse the government of corruption, power lust and exploitation. One of the triggers of the demonstrations was a controversial amnesty law passed in the fall of 2013. It guaranteed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra a safe return from exile, despite his status as a political offender.
State of emergency
Winter 2013: The protests gain momentum and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra dissolves the parliament and announces an election. After weeks of street fighting and numerous casualties, the government finally declares a state of emergency for Bangkok and surroundings. The election is deemed invalid and a new date is set: July 20.
Governmental crisis
The end for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra: Thailand's constitutional court removes her from office on charges of abuse of power. According to the court, she breached the constitution when she replaced the national security chief with a relative in 2011. Nine members of her cabinet were also dismissed.
Independent protest leader
The protests continue, headed by Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary-general of political pressure group People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC). His demand is to remove from power all those associated with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He also calls for reforms to precede the election.
Majority counts
Government supporters with posters stating "Respect my vote." Their leader, Jatuporn Pompran, warns: "When you get a government that doesn't take the majority of the voters into account, there is danger of chaos and civil war."