Rumours a coup is imminent in Bangkok

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Rumours a coup is imminent in Bangkok
 
The Nation: 27 Nov 2008
Coup rumours sweep Bangkok
By The Nation Nov 27 (approx 5:20 pm)

In a day full of widespread coup rumours, the government has pleaded with the military to remain in barracks.

Also in a bid to calm down tension, Government spokesman Natthawut Saikua also announced after an urgent Cabinet meeting that the government had no intention to remove Army chief Anupong Paochinda.

Anupong, in his capacity as head of the government's task force monitoring the crisis, on Wednesday called on Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to dissolve the House and the People's Alliance for Democracy to end its protests.

Rumours were rife on Thursday about a secret Anupong ultimatum that Somchai must dissolve the House before midnight Thursday or face a coup

Newspaper offices have been flooded with phone calls inquiring or giving "tips" about an imminent coup.

Government office workers have been told to leave home early, so have many private sector employees, adding to the widespread anxiety.

The Cabinet, meeting in Chiang Mai, did not consider about purging the military top brass, Government Spokesman Natthawut Saikua announced in an unexpected press conference, pleading with soldiers to remain in barracks. The announcement invariably add weight to the coup rumours.

He said he came out from the Cabinet meeting to make the announcement when the meeting was still going on because there were high speculations about coup.

Natthawut said the government would like to call on the military not to mobilise the troops because the military leaders would not be purged.

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Army plays down coup rumours     

source:bangkok post.

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(BangkokPost.com) - Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd on Thursday afternoon denied that the army was preparing to stage a coup d'état after the widespread coup rumours triggered panic among the public throughout the day.


According to the spokesman, the military tanks moved to the First Infantry Division (King's Guards) for the cadets to see, and the vehicles had already returned to the Fourth Cavalry Squadron (King's Guards).


The national army chief, Gen Anupong Paojinda, and the army chief of staff, Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, were reportedly travelled to meet the Statesman and Privy Council president, Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, at Si Sao Thewes residence Thursday.