Yingluck expected to be released within one week

The military have detained a number of prominent Thai political figures

A number of prominent Thai political figures, including former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who have been detained by the military are expected to be released within a week, deputy army spokesman Winthai Suvaree said Saturday.

These people are safe and are being taken good care of, Xinhua cited Winthai as saying.

They will be released at different times, some in three days, some in five days, but no one is expected to be detained for more than a week, Winthai said.

The military also summoned 35 more people to report to the army auditorium by 4 p.m. Saturday otherwise they will face prison time and a fine.

Winthai added that 24 digital TV stations had been allowed to resume broadcasts but the ban on 14 stations and community radio is still in place.

The military allowed several free TV stations to air again from Friday night.

In a separate development about 100 people demonstrated Saturday in front of Major Ratchayothin shopping mall in Bangkok to protest against the military coup.

They reportedly gathered at around noon and chanted "Election" and "No coup".

Later, they dispersed after troops deployed there threatened to arrest them for violating the martial law, but vowed to return to hold more rallies.

Soon after Thursday's coup, the military issued an order banning political rallies of five people or more.