Thailand's army chief declares martial law, says not a coup

Thailand's armed forces declared martial law Tuesday, surprising markets and political players, but said they weren't staging a coup.

The nation is bitterly divided between supporters of the populist government and its conservative opponents, who have been massing on the streets for more than half a year in a bid to topple the administration.Army chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha issued a pair of statements and later appeared on television to say that martial law was necessary nationwide to address the worsening security situation.

"The army aims to keep peace and maintain the safety and security of the people of all sides," the army television channel said. "Please do not be alarmed, and carry on with business as usual. This isn't a coup."

More than 24 people have been killed in political violence since the current wave of protests began in November in a crisis that peaked earlier this month when the Constitutional Court removed Yingluck Shinawatra as prime minister.

Acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, couldn't be reached for comment. Since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, the army has executed 18 coups.