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Thai PM ousted in coup

2006-09-19 20:55

A Thai soldier keeps watch at a major intersection in the capital, Bangkok. (David Longstreath, AP)

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Bangkok - The Thai army took control of Bangkok on Tuesday without a shot being fired and announced a commission to reform the constitution, despite the prime minister's declaration from New York of a state of emergency.

A government spokesperson with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the United Nations said the coup could not succeed and "we're in control".

Tanks and soldiers took over Government House in Thailand's first coup in 15 years and a coup spokesperson said on TV the army and police were in control of the capital and surrounding provinces.

The seizure would be temporary and power "returned to the people" soon, said retired Lieutenant-General Prapart Sakuntanak on all Thai television channels.

Martial law

The army declared martial law, told all soldiers to report to base and banned unauthorised troop movements, suggesting the military leadership was worried that Thaksin loyalists in the armed forces might attempt a counter-coup.

Prapart said the armed forces and police had set up a body to decide on political reforms, ousting billionaire telecoms tycoon Thaksin in the midst of a political crisis stemming from accusations he had subverted Thailand's 74-year-old democracy.

"Never in Thai history have the people been so divided," said Prapart.

"The majority of people had become suspicious of this administration, which is running the country through rampant corruption," he added.

"Independent bodies have been interfered with so much they could not perform in line within the spirit of the constitution."

Weerasak Kohsurat, a deputy minister in a previous government, told Reuters he believed royal adviser Sumate Tantivejakul would head the reform commission and an interim government would be formed while political reforms were agreed.

Elections would be called soon and Thaksin would be allowed to take part, he said.

'Severe state of emergency'

In New York, Thaksin phoned a Thai television station to make a statement.

"I declare Bangkok under a severe state of emergency," he said.

The transmission stopped after 10 minutes while he was still talking.

Inside Government House, about 50 soldiers ordered police in the complex to lay down their weapons, said a witness, and tanks and soldiers were seen on many street corners although Bangkok remained quiet.

In his television statement, Thaksin ordered troops not to "move illegally" and told army commander-in-chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin to report to acting prime minister Chidchai Vanasatidya.

He also ordered armed forces supreme commander Ruangroj Mahasaranond to implement the emergency order.

- Reuters

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