Thai interim PM says aiming for Aug. 3 election

Thailand's caretaker prime minister, Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan, said on Tuesday he had asked the Election Commission to organise an election on Aug. 3.

Rufus Cox | Getty Images

Niwatthamrong also said he would talk to the army chief "as soon as possible" to end the country's political crisis hours after the army declared martial law.

"The government has sent a letter to the Election Commission suggesting that it organise an election on August 3 which we think is suitable. If the commission agrees then next week we can issue a decree," Niwatthamrong told reporters.