DHAKA: Thailand's army on Tuesday declared a martial law across the crisis-gripped kingdom to restore order following months of anti-government protests that have left 28 people dead and hundreds wounded, reports BBC.

Thai army says that it is imposing martial law amid a political crisis "to preserve law and order".

The surprise announcement also granted the army wide-ranging powers to enforce its decision.

The military insisted that its assumption of responsibility for national security was not a coup.

The chief security advisor to the interim prime minister said the government had not been consulted about the army's decision.

"Everything is normal except the military is responsible for all national security issues," said Paradorn Pattanatabut.

An army spokesman said that the imposition of martial law will have no impact on the caretaker government which remains in office.

Pic ‘army martial law’

The army's move - which it says is to stop "ill-intentioned groups from using war weapons" - has come as a surprise.

Troops have taken steps to stop pro-government red-shirt supporters from gathering at their usual rallying-place outside Bangkok.

The Thai military last took power in 2006.

BDST: 0805 HRS MAY 20, 2014