The Thai Baht sank on world currency markets after Thailand’s military announced that it control of the government in a coup and has given the country's military chief the power to act as Prime Minister.  Political leaders were called together for talks but were instead detained. 

The usurpation of civilian authority followed repeated denials from the military that it planned to seize power.

The Tourist Authority of Thailand is warning visitors they “must return to their accommodation before 10 PM and not leave again until after 5 AM” – unless they are headed to or from the airport, in which case they are being told to have their passports and tickets ready for inspection at army checkpoints. 

Also, “Army announcements on television are being broadcast in English for the benefit of international visitors,” on whichever media outlets are still on the air after a number were shut down.  CNN and BBC went dark.  The UK Foreign Office believes that Internet censorship is a possible next step.

It’s probably a real good idea to get out of Thailand, as it’s unlikely the “Red Shirt” supporters of the ousted democratically-elected government will take this coup lying down.  They’re much better organized than the last time the Thai military dumped a government it didn’t like in 2006.

“The opposition and resistance to the coup will likely be strong,” said Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University.  “This time the looming confrontation and clashes are going to be severe and violent.”