Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says the situation on the ground in Thailand is “volatile” following the military’s announcement that is has taken the reigns of government, and that Canberra is “gravely concerned”.

“We are monitoring it closely but people need to pay close attention to their personal security and their travel plans,” said Bishop, in a statement that suggests that leaving Thailand is a much better idea than going there.

In the US, Secretary of State John Kerry said there was no justification for the coup and it will have “negative implications” for the US-Thailand relationship.  Washington is considering suspending US$6 Million in aid to Thailand’s military – a paltry sum – and also canceling the much-more prestigious US-backed military and naval drills.

Across the board, international reaction has been against the coup.

A statement from French President Francois Hollande’s office “condemns the seizure of power by the army in Thailand”, and calls for “an immediate return to the constitutional order and for a vote to be organized” as well as the need “for the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Thai people to be respected”.

“The UK urges the restoration of a civilian government that has been democratically elected, serves the interests of its people and fulfils its human rights obligations,” said UK Foreign Minister William Hague.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said he was “seriously concerned” by the military coup.  And from Geneva, the UN Human Rights office also condemned the military assault on free opinion, expression, and assembly.

“We remind the authorities of Thailand’s obligations under international human rights law in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which strictly limit the application of emergency powers,” spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said.  “We urge the authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure the fundamental human rights are respected.”