We've written a profile of Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, Thailand's army chief who announced the coup earlier on Thursday.
17:57: International reaction to the takeover has so far been varied. Only France has condemned it outright - the UK, EU and UN say they are following developments with "concern", and the US says it will review military co-operation with Thailand.
17:57: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says he is "seriously concerned" by the takeover. In a statement, Mr Ban called for "a prompt return to constitutional, civilian, democratic rule and an all-inclusive dialogue that will pave the way for long-term peace and prosperity in Thailand".
17:32: The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its travel advice for Thailand. It says the curfew, in place now, will not apply to those travelling to or from the airport, providing they are carrying their travel tickets.
17:22: The EU has now expressed "extreme concern" at the day's developments. In a statement, it says: "The military must accept and respect the constitutional authority of the civilian power as a basic principle of democratic governance." The EU also called for "credible and inclusive elections as soon as feasible".
Worawat Soipradit in Thailand tweets: Thailand People want Democracy not coup d'etat