Troops have blocked roads in Bangkok and taken over media buildings

Thailand's acting PM has issued a plea for the army to act peacefully and within the constitution following its imposition of martial law.

Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan also said he had asked for new elections to be called for August.

Thailand has seen six months of unrest between government and opposition.

The anti-government protesters oppose elections and vowed that martial law would not affect their campaign to topple the administration.

The army announced martial law on television at 03:00 local time (20:00 GMT Monday) with the intention to "preserve order and bring back peacefulness".

It cited a 1914 law that allows intervention during times of crisis but insisted this was not a coup.

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27490670