Following months of tension between the government and opposition, the Thai military on Tuesday imposed martial law, putting restrictions on the media, according to the BBC.

The Globe and Mail reported that as armed forces fanned out across Bangkok, uniformed men shut down radio and satellite television stations and ordered others not to report “controversial news”.

Among those closed were several unlicenced community radio stations, thought to be broadcasting shows which took sides in the country’s political crisis.

The army has also asked local channels to air military broadcasts ‘whenever asked for’.

A message on the Royal Thai Army Radio and Television read: “Army is to ensure the safety of all sides … no need to worry.”

In a statement rebroadcast on radio and television, Army Chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said that this was not a coup but a way to prevent an outbreak of violence between anti-government and pro-government protesters.