Troops deployed in Bangkok as military insists its assumption of responsibility for national security "is not a coup".  Thailand's army has declared martial law across the country to restore order following months of anti-government protests that have left 28 people dead and hundreds wounded.

An announcement on military-run television said martial law had been invoked "to restore peace and order for people from all sides", stressing that the move "is not a coup".

"The public do not need to panic but can still live their lives as normal," it added.  The move, which gives the military control of nationwide security rather than the police, risks angering supporters of the government if it is seen as tantamount to a coup.

Chaikasem Nitisiri, the justice minister, told the Associated Press news agency the army had not consulted the cabinet.

He played down the move, saying the caretaker government was still running the country but that 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. Personally, I welcome the move."