It was a rare chance for many city folk to get up-close and friendly with a tank, as the armed forces are deployed in Bangkok after taking over the country.

The attention captured by the military presence on city roads and intersections was fascination, rather than dread. Drivers who passed by five tanks parked on Vibhavadi-Rangsit road felt compelled to park their cars, unload their kids - on holiday for the day - and line them up for pictures. They first sought the permission of soldiers on duty, and it was freely given.

Chokechai Udomchai, 58, from Pathum Thani, paused while taking a close look at a tank to comment: "It's like an army exhibition!"

He said he heard about a tank parked not far from his home, so he took his kids to see it. "Surprisingly, it's a coup," he said. "But the officers are so kind. They let kids get really close to the tank."

The most popular spot was the Royal Plaza, where more than a hundred people crowded around a group of soldiers and tanks. A man in the crowd said the atmosphere was like National Children's Day, when the Army opens its doors for people to see military hardware and take photographs.

Suksan Chuypum, 36, an artist, said he took his daughters to see the troops in order to explain to them what was happening in the country.

Foreign visitors were also seen posing happily with tanks at the Nang Leang intersection market.

In Chiang Mai, children were even allowed to climb into the military vehicles and have pictures taken wearing soldiers' helmets.

Some people and food vendors offered foods, snacks and flowers to the soldiers. In Bangkok, many people gathered in front of Army Ground Force headquarters. Some offered flowers and food to soldiers on duty at the gates. One man had his luxury car emblazoned with painted words of admiration for coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin.