On the Thai Coup

Today Thailand's new leaders have banned all meetings and other activities by political parties, two days after taking power in a military coup.

They also say they have assumed legislative powers and duties in the absence of a parliament. Ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra said he would take a 'deserved rest', but called for quick elections.

Thailand has been in political limbo for months, but the events of Tuesday night apparently still caught everyone off guard.