Bangkok remains calm

Since Tuesday's (September 19th) overnight coup in Thailand, Bangkok's finance district and other businesses have reopened and the capital's population is continuing with life as normal.

It is thought that the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, was particularly unpopular in Bangkok and so far public reaction to the coup has been sympathetic.

International reaction displayed dismay at the coup, but was far from a universal condemnation aimed at unsettling the new military rulers.

The White House declared itself "disappointed" and spokesperson Tony Snow stated: "We hope those who mounted it will make good and make good swiftly, on their promises to restore democracy.

"And restoring democracy not only means elected governments, but protected rights of citizens, including freedom of speech and assembly."

Many analysts suggested that this was far from the expected US reaction and was out of sync with other more controversial foreign policy.

The Foreign Office left its advice relatively unchanged and advised against all travel outside of the capital.

In a statement the department commented: "A nationwide state of martial law has been declared. The situation in Bangkok and elsewhere in Thailand remains calm, but the British embassy is continuing to monitor the situation closely.

"If you are currently in Bangkok, you should avoid moving around the city wherever possible and refrain from approaching military vehicles and personnel. If you intend to travel to, or are currently in Thailand, you should monitor all available information on the local situation."

Thailand's military leaders have stated that they will appoint a new prime minister within two weeks and set about drafting a new constitution. The support of the Thai monarchy is crucial to the military leaders and this seems to have been secured.

Assemblies of more than five people are still banned in the country and the AFP news agency reports that military figures will tell media outlets to not publish people's text messages and any other public opinion