THAILAND’S powerful army declared martial law before dawn today, deploying troops in the heart of Bangkok.

The military, however, insisted a coup d’etat was not under way and claimed that the measure was aimed at stabilising the country after six months of political unrest.

The surprise operation, which places the army in charge of “public security” nationwide, came one day after the caretaker prime minister refused to resign in the face of long-running anti-government protests.

Although soldiers entered multiple TV stations to broadcast the army message, life in the capital remained largely unaffected, with schools, businesses and tourist sites open and traffic flowing as usual.

Thailand has been gripped by off-and-on political turmoil since 2006, when former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was toppled by a military coup after being accused of corruption, abuse of power and disrespect for King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The army has staged 11 coups since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, but made no moves to dissolve the caretaker government yesterday.

Acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan called an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the situation.

Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri said the army had not consulted the prime minister beforehand but claimed that the caretaker government was still running the country, even though the army was now in charge of security.

“Security matters will be handled solely by the military and whether the situation intensifies or is resolved is up to them,” he said. “There is no cause to panic.”

The military statement was issued by army chief General Prayuth Chan-Ocha, who cited a 1914 law that gave the military authority to intervene during times of crisis. 

He said the military took action to avert street clashes between political rivals which he feared “could impact on the country’s security.”

“The army intends to bring back peace and order to the beloved country of every Thai as soon as possible,” he said. We “intend to see the situation resolved quickly.”

The general later called on government leaders and the country’s powerful independent oversight agencies to meet.