Bangkok, Sep 19 (Xinhua) Radio and TV channels broadcast a military statement claiming a successful coup late Tuesday while Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced a state of emergency, even as eyewitnesses said the military had seized his office here.

Thai military TV Five earlier reported that the Thai military declared launch of coup.

Over a dozen tanks blocked roads around Thailand's government headquarters here and eyewitnesses saw armed soldiers in the streets of the capital.

The Thai prime minister, who is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly meeting, announced a state of emergency in Bangkok.

"I declare Bangkok under a severe state of emergency," Thaksin said in a voice broadcast on Thai television. He also ordered troops not to "move illegally".

He said he was ordering the transfer of the nation's army chief to work in the prime minister's office, effectively suspending him from his military duties.

However, the statement was suddenly cut off after being aired for about 13 minutes.

Several hundred soldiers were deployed at keys points in the capital.

The army-owned TV channel interrupted regular broadcasts with patriotic music and showed pictures of the king.