Thailand reacts to military coup
A crowd of about 200 people faced off with the Thai Army near the walls of the old city, lighting candles and jeering at armed soldiers.
Phalanxes of troops periodically plunged into the crowd to grab vocal protesters, leading to sporadic scuffles and the detention of at least six people, May 24, 2014.
Bangkok, Thailand
A man lies on the ground in front of police while holding a placard during a protest against martial law, a day after the Thai Army chief sized power in a coup in central Bangkok, May 23, 2014.
Thai Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha set out his plans for the country on Friday, a day after seizing power in the coup, saying reforms were needed before an election, but some Thais defied martial law to show opposition to his takeover.
Several hundred people including students gathered in a central shopping district despite a ban on protests by five or more people to voice their opposition to military rule. The sign reads, "Don't pressure us".
Bangkok, Thailand
A woman holds a sign as she joins others in a protest against military rule, May 24, 2014.
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was in a "safe place" on Saturday, an aide said, after being held by Thailand's army following its seizure of power this week, as opposition to the coup grew among her supporters and pro-democracy activists.
The army moved on Thursday after failing to forge a compromise in a power struggle between Yingluck's populist government and the royalist establishment, which brought months of sometimes violent unrest to Bangkok's streets.
Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand's Army deputy spokesman Winthai Suvaree speaks during a news conference at the Army Club.
Bangkok, Thailand
Guards take a break at their quarters at the Grand Palace, May 24, 2014.
The Thai army's imposition of martial law is another blow to the country's tourist industry, adding to the economic pain from six months of destabilizing street protests as airlines cut back on flights and concern over insurance adds to travelers' worries.
Tourism officials put a brave face on the latest twist in the long-running civil strife, saying it was too early to gauge the impact on tourist arrivals, which already dipped nearly 6 percent in the first three months of the year.
Bangkok, Thailand
An activist holds up a sign in front of soldiers trying to control the crowd during a protest against military rule, May 24, 2014.
Bangkok, Thailand
Passengers look out from inside a bus at activists protesting against military rule, 24, 2014.
Bangkok, Thailand
A woman is detained by the police after a confrontation during a protest against military rule, May 24, 2014.
Bangkok, Thailand
A passer-by poses in front of soldiers, May 24, 2014.
Bangkok, Thailand
Soldiers stand behind razor wire at the gates of Channel 5 TV station as protesters against military rule gather nearby, May 24, 2014.
Bangkok, Thailand
Thai soldiers stand guard as they block a street during a protest against military rule, May 24, 2014.
Bangkok, Thailand
People hold signs while kneeling during a protest against military rule at Victory Monument, May 24, 2014.
Bangkok, Thailand
A protester with messages written on her back and arms joins others protesting against military rule at the Victory Monument, May 24, 2014.
Bangkok, Thailand
A protester poses for a photo next to signs left at the fence around the Victory Monument, May 24, 2014.
Bangkok, Thailand
Soldiers detain a protester against military rule, at a shopping district in central Bangkok, May 25, 2014.
Bangkok, Thailand
A protester against military rule reacts as he is carried by soldiers at a shopping district in central Bangkok, May 25, 2014.
Bangkok, Thailand
A protester against military rule gestures as he is shoved by soldiers into a police ambulance, at a shopping district in central Bangkok, May 25, 2014.
Bangkok, Thailand
A protester places a sticker on the tailboard of a military vehicle, as she joins others to protest against military rule, at Bangkok's shopping district, May 25, 2014.