Thailand's army chief has announced that the military has seized power in a coup to restore stability and order after six months of political deadlock and turmoil.

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha made the announcement Thursday in a statement broadcast on national television.

He said the commission that imposed martial law Tuesday would now take control of the country's administration.

The development followed two days of meetings between the country's rival political leaders that failed to break the impasse.(AP)