Thailand's military officially announced a military coup d'etat on national television Thursday after previously denying allegations that they executed a takeover.

The army chief made the announcement after there was a failure to have successful negotiations to end political unrest, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The military and the police "needs to seize control of the situation in the country, effective May 22," said Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, saying they fear violent political clashes will increase.

The military announced that the country's constitution is "temporarily suspended," excluding any parts that refer to the monarchy. The military said it has done away with the caretaker government, but the country's Senate, courts and governmental organizations will continue to function.

They imposed a curfew for the entire nation at 10 p.m., and ordered all protestors to leave protest sites. The military also banned rallies of more than five individuals.

The announcement of the coup came after a second day of meetings with antigovernment and pro-government groups and top Thai lawmakers.

Wednesday's meeting went on for more than two hours. After the meeting, armed soldiers were dispatched, and the meeting's participants were rushed to an unknown location.

Regular television programming was also suspended before the military's televised announcement. The military then ordered all television and radio stations to only broadcast content that is provided by the military.

"The military has to return peace and order to the country as soon as possible and to reform [the] political and social structure to ensure fairness for every side," Gen. Prayuth said. "I ask the people to remain calm and carry on with their business as usual."

The acting Prime Minister, Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, and his cabinet members were ordered to report immediately to an undisclosed army base location.

"It remains to be seen how the coup will transpire from now. Based on history, the army is likely to set up a national government," said Yuttaporn Issarachai, a political science lecturer at Sukhothai Thammathriat Open University.

After the announcement, troops disbanded rallies of the pro-government Red Shirts, who were gathered on the outskirts of Bangkok. The military ordered all protestors to return home.

The general told all remaining government members and civilians to follow the rules, and prohibited the military from taking up arms and mobilizing weapons.

The general said that foreign residents, tourists, diplomats and workers from non-governmental organizations will be guaranteed safety.