Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Friday reported to the National Peace and Order Maintaining Council (NPOMC), and the coup-makers warned those defying the summons will be arrested and face legal action.
Former deputy prime minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul (seen inside vehicle) reported at the Royal Thai Army auditorium on Friday. (Photo by Pattarachai Prechapanich)
She and others who have reported to the council are banned from leaving the country.
Ms Yingluck arrived at the Royal Thai Army auditorium in Thewes in a black bullet-proof Volkswagen van, with a vanguard of bodyguards. The team cleared the way and made arrangements with soldiers at the gate of the army auditorium before her arrival.
Ms Yingluck is among the 155 people Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the army chief and head of the NPOMC, summoned as part of his moves to restore peace to the nation. They included key politicians, important figures connected with Ms Yingluck's past government, and leaders of pro and anti-Yingluck administration protest movements.
PDRC key member Anchalee Paireerak greets reporters before reporting to the junta at the Royal Thai Army auditorium on Friday. (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)
The NPOMC issued an announcement about noon Friday prohibiting all 155 summoned people from leaving Thailand without permission.
The announcement also said that those who refused to turn themselves in to the NPOMC would be arrested and prosecuted, council spokesman Col Winthai Suwaree said.
Ms Yingluck's appearance ended speculation that she had left the country after Gen Prayuth declared martial law on Tuesday followed by a coup on Thursday.
Other former cabinet ministers reporting to the junta council included former acting caretaker prime minister Niwattumrong Boosongpaisan, former labour minister Chalerm Yubamrung, former deputy commerce minister Yanyong Phuangrach, and former energy minister Pongsak Raktapongpaisal.
Mr Yangyong was the first of her former cabinet to report to the council, arriving about 9am.
Mr Niwattumrong arrived at 9.35am, followed by Chalerm Yubamrung, former labour minister and director of the dissolved Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order, and Tongthong Chandransu, permanent secretary of the PM's Office. Soldiers have stayed with Mr Chalerm since Thursday night.
Anchalee Paireerak, a leader of the People's Democratic Reform Committee, also reported in at the auditorium on Friday morning - the first leader of the anti-Yingluck Shinawatra government movement to show up, apart from those who were detained on Thursday during a meeting with Gen Prayuth.