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Thai coup: Leader Gen Prayuth set for royal endorsement Thai coup: Leader Gen Prayuth receives royal endorsement
(about 1 hour later)
Thailand's military leader is to receive royal endorsement at a ceremony in the capital, Bangkok, after taking power in a coup last week. Thailand's military leader has received royal endorsement at a ceremony in the capital, Bangkok, after taking power in a coup last week.
Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, who now leads a junta known as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), is also expected to address the nation. Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, was formally appointed as the prime minister at the army headquarters.
A new temporary constitution is set to be introduced. The 86-year-old monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, did not attend the ceremony.
The 86-year-old monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is not expected to attend the ceremony. The military seized power in the South East Asian nation last week, saying it planned to return stability to Thailand after months of unrest.
The monarchy is highly respected and royal endorsement is seen as key to legitimising the takeover.
The military seized power in the South East Asian nation last week, saying it planned to return stability to Thailand.
The move followed six months of political deadlock as protesters tried to oust the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. At least 28 people were killed and several hundred injured over the course of the protests.The move followed six months of political deadlock as protesters tried to oust the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. At least 28 people were killed and several hundred injured over the course of the protests.
But the coup - which removed an elected government - has drawn widespread international criticism.But the coup - which removed an elected government - has drawn widespread international criticism.
Small anti-coup protests took place in Bangkok over the weekend, despite a military ban on gatherings of more than five people.Small anti-coup protests took place in Bangkok over the weekend, despite a military ban on gatherings of more than five people.
Experts have also warned that the coup is unlikely to heal divisions in a nation in which politics have become highly polarised.Experts have also warned that the coup is unlikely to heal divisions in a nation in which politics have become highly polarised.
'No benefit''No benefit'
An army spokeswoman said that the "ceremony to receive the royal command appointing" Gen Prayuth would take place on Monday morning at army headquarters. Gen Prayuth, dressed in white military uniform, received the royal endorsement on Monday morning.
Gen Prayuth will then set out his plans in a televised speech. The monarchy is highly respected and royal endorsement is seen as key to legitimising the takeover.
The ruling junta is then expected to set up a national legislative assembly that will draw up a temporary constitution with a new prime minister. The ruling junta is expected to set up a national legislative assembly that will draw up a temporary constitution with a new prime minister.
Since taking power the military has summoned and detained dozens of key political figures, including Ms Yingluck. Journalists and academics are also among those who have been called in.Since taking power the military has summoned and detained dozens of key political figures, including Ms Yingluck. Journalists and academics are also among those who have been called in.
Tight controls have also been placed on the media.Tight controls have also been placed on the media.
Key coup conditionsKey coup conditions
Press fearful after Thai coupPress fearful after Thai coup
The current deadlock dates from 2006, when the military ousted Ms Yingluck's brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, in a coup.The current deadlock dates from 2006, when the military ousted Ms Yingluck's brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, in a coup.
Mr Thaksin and Ms Yingluck have strong support in rural areas, propelling them to successive election victories.Mr Thaksin and Ms Yingluck have strong support in rural areas, propelling them to successive election victories.
But they are bitterly opposed by many in the middle class and urban elite, who formed the heart of the protest movement that began working to oust Ms Yingluck in November 2013.But they are bitterly opposed by many in the middle class and urban elite, who formed the heart of the protest movement that began working to oust Ms Yingluck in November 2013.
The Thai military has warned people against protesting against last week's takeover.The Thai military has warned people against protesting against last week's takeover.
"I want fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters to warn their families that there is no benefit in coming out to oppose (the coup)," army spokesman Col Winthai Suvaree Winthai told reporters on Sunday."I want fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters to warn their families that there is no benefit in coming out to oppose (the coup)," army spokesman Col Winthai Suvaree Winthai told reporters on Sunday.