Thailand's acting PM has
issued a plea for the army to act peacefully and within the constitution
following its imposition of
martial law.Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan also said he had asked for new elections to be called for August.
Thailand has seen six months of unrest between government and opposition.
The anti-government protesters oppose elections and vowed that martial law would not affect their campaign to topple the administration.
The army announced martial law on television at 03:00 local time (20:00 GMT Monday) with the intention to "preserve order and bring back peacefulness".
It cited a 1914 law that allows intervention during times of crisis but insisted this was not a coup,
Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-Ocha said martial law would remain until "the country is safe and there is stability".
Soldiers have taken over TV and radio stations in Bangkok and have moved into the currently unoccupied government building.
Mr Niwatthamrong later issued a statement saying: "The government wishes the same for national peace and hopes that the martial law is imposed by way of peaceful means and equality with no violence."
It continued: "This action of the Royal Thai Army must be under the principles of constitution and democracy with the king as head of state."
Mr Niwatthamrong later said he was "talking to the army chief's side and there are many pressing issues we need to discuss, including elections and reform".
He said he had asked the Election Commission to set an election date of 3 August.
Source:BBC
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