"There's no justification for a military coup in Thailand or inany place else," State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said at a news briefing.

"We certainly are extremely disappointed by this action. It's astep backward for democracy in Thailand.

"We want to see a resolution of this situation in accordance with the rule of law and in accordance with democratic procedures -- that certainly means the restoration of civilian rule in Thailand as quickly as possible."

Thailand's army commander Sondhi Boonyaratkalin ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a military coup Tuesday night whilehe was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, circling his offices with tanks, declaring martial law and revoking the constitution.

Initial response to the coup from Washington was that Thailand should resolve political differences peacefully.

Thailand is a key U.S. military and diplomatic ally.