World leaders have quickly responded with apprehension to the military coup in Thailand on May 22.

United Nations Spokesman Stephane Dujarric, on behalf of Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, said that the leader is "seriously concerned" over the military coup and called for the rapid return to a democratic civilian government.

The UN leader appealed "for a prompt return to constitutional, civilian, democratic rule and an all-inclusive dialogue that will pave the way for long-term peace and prosperity in Thailand."

Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande condemned the army’s coup and called for an immediate return to the rule of law, according to the President’s office.

Hollande demanded for constitutional order to be reinstated, a full and fair election to be organised and the fundamental rights and freedom of the Thai people to be respected.

On the afternoon of May 22, the Commander-in-Chief of the Thai Army, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, declared the military coup. Several hours later, the deputy spokesman of the Thai Army, Winthai Suvaree, appeared on television to announce a curfew from 11pm to 5am.

In a televised announcement earlier in the afternoon, General Prayuth said the army and police had formed a National Peace Keeping Committee to seize control of the country, which has been suffering from political instability for many months.

According to the General, the power seizure was necessary to stabilise the country.

The coup announcement was released after Thailand’s opposition parties failed to break their political deadlock after two rounds of negotiations on May 21 and 22.

In the evening, the military leaders suspended the national constitution of 2007, except for the chapter on the monarchy.-VNA