The new military authorities in Thailand have detained the former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her family, as the coup leaders move to consolidate their grip on the country.
Ms Yingluck has spent the night in the custody, reportedly at an army camp north of Bangkok, along with dozens of other detained political figures. Ms Yingluck was removed from her role as prime minister by the judiciary earlier this month.
Meanwhile, the deadline has passed for academics and other critics of the coup to report to the military authorities. Thirty-five people had been summoned, a day after Ms Yingluck and scores of politicians from the deposed government had been told to report to the military.
Yingluck Shinawatra was among those detained. Photo: AFP
Reuters cited a senior military official as saying Ms Yingluck, her sister and brother-in-law had all been detained.
He declined to say where the former prime minister was being held, but media said she was kept for several hours and then driven to an army base in Saraburi province, north of Bangkok.
A spokesperson says she will not be held for more than a week but her detention is necessary while matters in the country are organised.
The military also barred her and 154 others, including politicians and activists, from leaving the country.
Meanwhile, Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra - Ms Yingluck's brother - has revealed plans to set up a government in exile, in a direct challenge to the legitimacy of the military.
The decision was relayed by Mr Thaksin's legal adviser, Robert Amsterdam, the ABC reports.
Six of Thailand's most senior military officers have now been appointed to run the country, with provincial commanders supervising local government, the BBC reports.
Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha summoned governors, business leaders and civil servants to the Bangkok Army Club on Friday, telling them reform must come before any elections.
"I want all civil servants to help organise the country. We must have economic, social and political reforms before elections. If the situation is peaceful, we are ready to return power to the people."
The general said the coup was necessary to "quickly bring the situation back to normal".
US suspends military aid
The United States says it is suspending $US3.5m in military aid to Thailand in the wake of the coup, and it's urged the country's army to restore civilian rule "immediately".
Washington also urged tourists to cancel trips and halted non-essential visits by US government officials.
Thai soldiers stand guard following an anti-coup protest in Bangkok Photo: AFP
Bangkok citizens showing support for the military. Photo: AFP
