Military coup leaders tighten controls

? Thailand’s new military rulers tightened their grip Thursday, restricting political activities, assuming legislative powers and detaining some allies of the deposed prime minister.

In announcements broadcast on all television stations, the military said it was banning all meetings by political parties and the creation of new parties. It said it was taking over the duties and responsibilities of parliament, which was dissolved when the coup leaders threw out the 1997 constitution.

The Thai ruling council also has imposed media restrictions, including stationing soldiers at television and radio stations, and ordering the information ministry to stop the distribution of information “deemed harmful” to its agenda.