THE Crown Prince of Thailand is reportedly staying at a hotel in Rotherwick, as the military seizes power in his home country.

The Evening Standard has reported that Maha Vajiralongkorn has taken over an entire wing of Tylney Hall, in Ridge Lane.

A marquee has been set up in the gravel car park in front of the hotel to house two top-of-the-range Mercedes. One has the number plate THAI 1.

Guests have reported seeing security guards around the hotel.

On Thursday, the military in Thailand suspended the constitution, banned gatherings and detained politicians, after months of political turmoil between two rival groups.

The military coup has drawn criticism from around the world.

It is not the first time that that the Crown Prince, heir to the ailing King Bhumibol, has been to north Hampshire.

In 2012, he visited The White Lion Antiques Centre in Hartley Wintney, along with an entourage of more than 30.

As reported in The Gazette, the heir, along with his wife, the Princess Consort Sriasmi, bought more than 300 items of fine bone china.

The hotel said it was against policy to discuss who stays there.