Thai Buddhist monks help dismantle a shade net at the protest camp occupied for months by anti-government protesters, a day after the army seized power in Bangkok on Friday. Photo: AFP

Thailand's military rulers detained former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Friday, a senior officer said, after summoning her for talks a day after the army overthrew her caretaker government in a coup.

He declined to say where Yingluck was being held.

The army chief, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, set out his plans for the country, saying reforms were needed before an election.

But some Thais defied martial law to protest against the takeover.

Prayuth also summoned hundreds of civil servants and told them he needed their help.

"We must have economic, social and political reforms before elections. If the situation is peaceful, we are ready to return power to the people," he said.

Yingluck arrived at the army facility at noon. Prayuth was there at the same time, but there was no confirmation they had met.

After Prayuth had left, nine vans with tinted windows were seen leaving but it was not clear if Yingluck was in one of them or where they were going.

The military has censored the media, dispersed rival protesters in Bangkok and imposed a nationwide 10 pm to 5 am curfew.

Prayuth was expected to meet King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the royal palace in Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, to explain the army's move.

Thai armed forces have a long history of intervening in politics. There have been 18 previous successful or attempted coups since Thailand became a constitutional monarchy in 1932.

Chinese observers said Thailand once again had sunk into a vicious cycle of "coup, incompetent government and another coup." The current "peace" is only superficial and it is unknown if yet another government could end the crisis.

Bangkok was calm and life appeared normal, although the military ordered all schools and universities to stay closed.

Regular television schedules were suspended with stations running military announcements interspersed with footage from the army's channel.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said there had been no justification for the coup, which would have "negative implications" for ties with its ally, especially military ones.

There was condemnation from France, the European Union and the UN human rights office. Countries including Singapore and South Korea advised citizens against travel to Thailand.

The Chinese Embassy in Thailand also alerted Chinese citizens with travel plans to Thailand to remain cautious.

China on Friday called on all parties in Thailand to keep restrained and strengthen dialogue and consultations, said foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei.

Prayuth, 60, is a member of the royalist establishment generally seen as hostile to the Shinawatras, although he tried for months to keep the army out of the strife and to appear even-handed.

He enjoyed cordial relations with Yingluck after she took office in mid-2011 but is regarded warily by some Thaksin supporters.

Thaksin's "red shirt" supporters were dismayed and angry but said they had no immediate plans for protests.

Thai analysts said it's only a matter of time before they go back to the streets again.

Leaders of the "red shirts" who were captured Thursday were taken to a safe house Friday.

Thailand's economy contracted 2.1 percent in the first quarter of 2014 largely because of the prolonged unrest.

Agencies - Global Times