At the United Nations, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's spokesman said the UN chief "appeals for a prompt return to civilian, democratic rule and the holding of new elections as quickly as possible."

The United States called for a swift restoration of democracy. The White House spokesman Tony Snow said, "We are disappointed in the coup. We hope those who mounted it will make good and make good swiftly on their promises to restore democracy."

"In light of this coup, there are aspects of our relationship that we are going to have to review," said U.S. State Department spokesman Tom Casey without giving details.

British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said: "It's not for us to say that he (Thaksin) should be reinstalled. We have called for a return to democratic government."

Regarding Thaksin's current travel to London, British officials said that it was private and had no political significance, noting Thaksin had relatives in Britain.

In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Canadian Foreign Minister Peter MacKay said, "Canada is deeply concerned by these developments. We urge a peaceful solution to this crisis in keeping with the country's constitution."

The Chilean Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that Chile's government regretted the "interruption of the democratic order" in Thailand and supported "the swiftest possible return to the rule of law and the full exercise of political and civil liberties."

On Tuesday evening, the Thai military ordered tanks and troops of the Fourth Cavalry Battalion to move into strategic points in Bangkok, and seized control in Bangkok overnight while Prime Minister Thaksin was in New York for the UN General Assembly.

The military dismissed Thaksin, repealed the constitution and promised that the country would swiftly return to democracy after political reforms. Thai Army Commander-in-Chief General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin said he would remain in power for two weeks until anew prime minister was chosen.

For the present, Thaksin had arrived in London. His Thai Airways flight arrived at London's Gatwick Airport at 5:35 p.m. (1635 GMT) Wednesday, the airport's press office said.