Thai army bans political gatherings after coup

BANGKOK, Sep 20 (Reuters) Thailand's army banned political gatherings of more than five people today after a successful military coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

In a televised statement, a coup spokeswoman also said the army would invite students to monitor efforts to reform the constitution and hold ''free and fair'' elections. She said the elections would be ''soon'', but gave no timetable.

REUTERS PDM RAI1023