Bangkok, Rajab 23, 1435, May 22, 2014, SPA -- Thai Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said the military had taken charge Thursday after his efforts to reconcile rival political factions failed, in a television broadcast, Reuters reported. It had been necessary to seize power to prevent further violence, deaths and damage to property in the country after months of political turmoil, said Prayuth, flanked by the heads of the air force and navy. "The Peace and Order Maintainance Command has taken national power on May 22, at 4:30 pm" (1130 GMT) Prayuth said. --SPA 14:14 LOCAL TIME 11:14 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w