Thailand's army chief has announced a coup d'etat, saying the military is taking control of government.

In a televised statement, the army chief said the military would restore order and enact political reforms.

The army sealed off the venue in Bangkok where political factions had been holding talks for a second day and took away the leaders.

It comes after months of political turmoil and the imposition on Tuesday of martial law.

The latest unrest began in the Thai capital late last year, when then-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra dissolved the lower house of parliament.

Demonstrators have blockaded several areas of Bangkok for months.

Earlier this month, a court ordered Ms Yingluck's removal for alleged abuse of power.

Thailand has faced a power struggle since Ms Yingluck's brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, was ousted by the military as prime minister in 2006. (BBC)