As there have been various political demonstrations and protests of different groups of people in Bangkok and its surrounding areas as well as other areas throughout, and wide spread armed attacks aimed at inciting violence against the public and important sites, resulting in continuing loss of lives of the innocent people and damages to properties; and as these incidents may precipitate further unrest and violent public disorder in many areas, threatening national security and safety of the general public;

Thus, in order to ensure effective maintenance of peace and order and to ensure a prompt return to normalcy for the people of all sides, pursuant to Section 2 and 4 of the Martial Law Act B.E. 2457 (1914), the Martial Law is hereby invoked. This shall be applied throughout the Kingdom of Thailand and shall take effect from 03.00 hrs on 20 May 2014 onwards.

Announced on 20 May B.E. 2557 (2014)

General Prayuth Chan-Ocha
    Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army