BANGKOK, May 20 — Thailand's army chief invited both sides of the kingdom's bitter political divide to talks today, hours after imposing martial law following nearly seven months of anti-government protests.

“We are in the process of inviting both sides to talk but at the minute the situation is still not normal... that's why I have had to invoke martial law,” General Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters.

The army chief urged pro- and anti-government protesters not to clash, amid fears of widespread violence as the political crisis intensifies, and added martial law would be revoked after peace and order had been restored to the country.

Earlier the military said their action was not a coup.

Thailand remains bitterly divided between the largely rural supporters of self-exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and the Bangkok-based establishment — and their southern royalist allies — who loathe him and want to end his dominance of Thai politics.

Months of anti-government protests have seen 28 people killed and hundreds more wounded in political violence.

Three people died in a gun and grenade attack on a rally site in Bangkok's historic centre by unknown assailants on May 15.

“The military will not tolerate any more loss of lives,” said Prayuth.

When asked if he intends to stage a military coup — in a nation which has seen nearly 20 successful or attempted coups — the general responded “don't jump to conclusions.” — AFP