Thai ruler promises new poll
2006-09-20 11:58
Bangkok - Thailand's new military ruler pledged on Wednesday to resign from power in two weeks and restore democracy in a year, after sweeping aside Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a bloodless coup.
General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who orchestrated Tuesday night's coup while the premier was out of the country, said Thaksin had been pushed out in line with the wishes of the people after months of political turmoil.
"I will resign as interim prime minister within two weeks, and now we are looking for the person who will become the new prime minister," said Sonthi.
"The potential candidates are politically neutral and love democracy with the king as head of state," he said.
General election
Sonthi, who announced after the coup that the constitution had been annulled, said a new interim constitution would be ready early next month, which would lead to a permanent constitution about one year later.
"The next general election will hopefully take place in October next year," the general said.
After announcing the coup Tuesday night, Sonthi and his generals met with revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who in the past has given his tacit blessing to replace unpopular leaders and restore order in times of crisis.
Political turmoil
Thailand has been wracked by months of political turmoil since Thaksin's family sold nearly $2bn of shares in the telecoms firm he founded - without paying any tax.
Waves of street protests convinced Thaksin to step down temporarily and call a new election in April, but the poll descended into chaos and members of the election commission were jailed on charges of helping Thaksin's party.
New elections were repeatedly delayed, and Sonthi said the generals had finally decided it was time to take action.
"Nobody was behind us. We decided on our own, and we took care of it on our own," he said.
"We decided within the last two days to stage a coup because the people have called for it and also because of the mismanagement of the government."
Ousted PM could face charges
Sonthi said ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra could return to the country, but warned he could face criminal charges.
"Thaksin is a Thai citizen. We are all Thai, so there won't be any problem. We are like siblings," Sonthi told reporters.
But Sonthi also warned that the billionaire politician - who stands accused of a variety of corruption charges - could face criminal charges.
"Any prosecution would proceed under the law, and would depend on the evidence," Sonthi said.
Thaksin en route to London
Thaksin was in New York for the UN general assembly on Tuesday when tanks surrounded his offices in Bangkok and Sonthi announced that the military had taken over.
The website for the Nation newspaper reported that Thaksin had gone to London, where he owns a residence and planned to meet with his family.
Asked if the military would move to seize Thaksin's considerable assets in Thailand, Sonthi said: "Everything will comply with the law. Anybody who has committed a wrongdoing must be held responsible."
Bangkok streets quiet
Bangkok's notoriously congested streets were unusually quiet and commuter trains were empty on Wednesday, as heavily-armed Thai soldiers wearing yellow sashes patrolled key intersections.
Beyond the presence of the troops - sporting yellow out of loyalty to King Bhumibol Adulyadej - and tanks posted outside government sites, there were few other signs the country has suffered its first military takeover in 15 years.