Thai military and police declared on late Tuesday that they have seized power of the state from the caretaker government. Armed forces entered TV and radio stations in Bangkok around 10:00 p.m. Tuesday .(Xinhua)

All radio and TV channels broadcast military statement of successful coup late Tuesday and witnesses saw that forces seized the prime minister's office in Bangkok.

Earlier, Thai military TV Five reported that the Thai military declared launch of coup.

Over a dozen tanks blocked roads around Thailand's government headquarters in Bangkok and witnesses saw armed soldiers in the streets of the capital.

Thai caretaker Prim Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is in New York at a United Nations meeting, announced a state of emergency in Bangkok.

"I declare Bangkok under a severe state of emergency," he said in a voice broadcast on Thai television. Thaksin ordered troops not to "move illegally".

He said he was ordering the transfer of the nation's army chief to work in the prime minister's office, effectively suspending him from his military duties.

The statement was suddenly cut off after airing for about 13 minutes.

Several hundred soldiers were deployed at keys points in the capital of Bangkok.

Army-owned TV channel 5 interrupted regular broadcasts with patriotic music and showed pictures of the king.

Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2006 shows tanks entering Thailand's government headquarters in Bangkok. (Xinhua Photo)

Thai military and police declared on late Tuesday that they have seized power of the state from the caretaker government. Armed forces entered TV and radio stations in Bangkok around 10:00 p.m. Tuesday.(Xinhua Photo)

Thai caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's TV statement declaring the country entering the emergency state on Tuesday night was cut off as Thai military is said to have taken hold of the military channels.(Xinhua Photo)

Editor: Yan