Thailand army continues crackdown after coup

Thailand's military has ordered 35 more people, including prominent academics, to report to them by Saturday afternoon as the post-coup crackdown continues.

The move comes a day after the army ordered more than 100 politicians, including ex-PM Yingluck Shinawatra, to come to the military council.

Ms Yingluck was detained in Bangkok on Friday and spent the night in custody.

Meanwhile, the US has suspended $3.5m (£2.1m) in military aid to Thailand and told the army to restore civilian rule.

Washington also urged tourists to cancel trips and halted non-essential visits by US government officials, following Thursday's coup.

Officials said Ms Yingluck would not be held for more than a week but insisted that her detention was necessary while matters in the country were organised.

Ms Yingluck, who had been PM until being removed by the judiciary this month, was ordered to report to the military along with more than 100 other politicians, including acting PM Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan.Thai military spokesman Col Werachon Sukhondhadhpatipak said Saturday that the politicians were detained to give them "time to think".

He refused to reveal where the detained were being held and said that their mobile phones had been confiscated.

Those listed on Friday who are yet to hand themselves into the military had until 16:00 local time (09:00 GMT) otherwise the "law enforcement will be decisive," he added.

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If the situation is peaceful, we are ready to return power to the people”

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha

Head of Thailand's army

He said those named on the military's new list had until 13:00 local time (06:00 GMT) to report to the army.

Col Werachon said the detainees were being encouraged "to find common ground" and that the army wanted "to change their perception."

On Friday. army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha met key officials and told them that reform must come before any elections.

Gen Prayuth summoned governors, business leaders and civil servants to the Bangkok Army Club.

Six of Thailand's most senior military officers have now been appointed to run the country, with provincial commanders supervising local government.

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