Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) — It’s tense in Thailand, where violence has spilled into the streets, people have died or been injured, and the army declared martial law Tuesday.

Underscoring the instability, the army’s decision to take control of the country came as a surprise to acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, an aide to the leader told CNN.

The army “took this action unilaterally,” said the aide, who did not wish to be named. The person described the action as “half a coup d’etat.”

Lt. Gen. Nipat Thonglek said the move was not a coup.

“The army aims to maintain peace, order and public safety for all groups and all parties,” a ticker running on the army’s television channel said. “People are urged not to panic, and can carry on their business as usual,” he said.

The people of Thailand are all too familiar with coups. There have been at least 18 actual and attempted military takeovers since Thailand became a constitutional monarchy in 1932.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, through a spokesman, issued a statement about the imposition of martial law, saying that he has consistently called on all sides to work together. He is quoted in the statement as saying peace in Thailand can only come about if the people have respect “for democratic principles and engagement in democratic processes.”

The secretary-general urged all sides to exercise “utmost restraint, refrain from any violence and fully respect human rights,” according to the statement.

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By Kocha Olarn, Ashley Fantz and Catherine E. Shoichet, VIA CNN

MARTIAL LAW WILL HAPPEN IN THE UNITED STATES IF WE ALLOW IT! KEEP UP THE GOOD FIGHT PATRIOTS AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!

DEAN JAMES @ AMERICAS FREEDOM FIGHTERS

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