DHAKA: The US has led widespread international criticism of a military takeover in Thailand as the South-East Asian nation spent its first night under curfew.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said there was "no justification", and $10m in bilateral aid could be suspended.

France and Germany condemned the coup, with the UN expressing serious concern.

The army on Thursday suspended the constitution, banned gatherings and detained politicians, saying order was needed after months of turmoil.

The military had declared martial law on Tuesday. Two days later, it gathered political leaders together in Bangkok for talks on the crisis.

The moment Jonah Fisher and other reporters realised a coup was under way

However, army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha then went on TV to announce the coup.

Several key figures at the talks, including opposition protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban and pro-government protest leader Jatuporn Prompan, were detained.

Acting PM Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan was not at the talks and his whereabouts are unclear.

His adviser Paradorn Pattanathabutr told the Associated Press news agency: "The rest of us who are outside are still fine and in safe places."

Mr Niwatthamrong and all his cabinet ministers, along with two former PMs - Ms Yingluck and Somchai Wongsawat - were ordered to report to the military on Friday morning. The military later expanded that summons to include more than 100 leading figures from both political camps.

Thailand has now ended its first night under curfew.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1227 HRS, MAY 23, 2014