In pictures: Martial law in Thailand

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  Foreign tourists walk past soldiers at the Ratchaprasong intersections in Bangkok. Rungroj Yongrit / EPA

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  Thai army soldiers stand at a checkpoint near where pro-government “Red shirts” have been rallying for days on the outskirts of Bangkok. Nicolas Asfouri / AFP Photo

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  Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said the military was taking charge of public security because of violent protests that had claimed lives and caused damage. Nicolas Asfouri / AFP Photo

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  Nearly 30 people have been killed since the protests began in November last year.. Nicolas Asfouri / AFP Photo

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  We are concerned this violence could harm the country’s security in general. Then, in order to restore law and order to the country, we have declared martial law,” Gen Prayuth said. Damir Sagolj / Reuters

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  Both pro- and anti-government protesters are camped out at different places in Bangkok and the army ordered them to remain where they were to prevent clashes. Chaiwat Subprasom / Reuters

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  A Thai soldier mans a machine gun in central Bangkok. The army also called on media not to broadcast material that would affect national security. Chaiwat Subprasom / Reuters

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  The crisis, the latest instalment of a near-decade-long power struggle between former telecoms tycoon Mr Thaksin and the royalist establishment, has brought the country to the brink of recession. Wason Wanichakorn / AP Photo

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  A Thai soldier takes up a position in front of the Royal Thai Police Sports Club in Bangkok. Chaiwat Subprasom / Reuters

Thailand’s army declared martial law nationwide on Tuesday to restore order after six months of street protests that have left the country without a proper functioning government, but denied that it was staging a military coup.