Wednesday, September 20 2006 17:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangkok: Tightening its grip on power after a bloodless coup ousting Premier Thaksin Shinawatra's government, the Army in Thailand today (Sept 20,2006) imposed strict curbs on foreign and domestic media and banned assembly of more than five people even as soldiers and tanks patrolled the streets.

The country's stock markets, banks, schools and offices were closed in view of the public holiday declared by the new military regime. An uneasy calm prevailed in the usually vibrant city with people looking subdued and silent.

Tanks have been deployed and military cordoned off the government district housing various ministries and offices here. Yellow ribbons were tied around the barrels of the tanks to signify loyalty to the King.

Army Commander Gen Sondhi Boonyaratkalin, who grabbed power last night when Thaksin was in New York attending the UN General Assembly, said the action was necessary to end serious conflicts within the Thai society that the Prime Minister had created.

Boonyaratkalin, who declared himself as Acting Prime Minister, in a brief television addresss said, the coup makers had no intention to hold on to power.

Flanked by Chiefs of the three armed services and the head of the national police, the Army chief, standing in front of giant portraits of Thailand's king, asked the people to stay calm and extend support to the new Government.

He repeated that the newly created council of administrative reforms had revoked the constitution and declared martial law in the country.