The military has not pressured the PM,' says armed forces chief
By ThaiDay
Thailand’s top military commander this morning said the armed forces will stay out of politics, insisting no coup would be staged to remove caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from power.
Armed Forces Supreme Commander Gen Ruengroj Mahasaranond said the current phase of uncertainty will come to an end with a political solution to the problem, and there would be no need for the military to force regime change.
“This situation is political and this should be solved by political means,” he told reporters this morning. “The military has not pressured the prime minister in any way.”
He added: “I have no idea where these rumors have come from.”
An alliance to oust Thaksin has given the premier until Sunday to step down, claiming he abused his power by eroding democratic institutions and gearing policy to enrich the business interests of his family and cronies.
They say they will take to the streets if Thaksin refuses to resign, which could spark violence and a repeat of political revolutions of the past, most of which have ended following military intervention.
By ThaiDay
Thailand’s top military commander this morning said the armed forces will stay out of politics, insisting no coup would be staged to remove caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from power.
Armed Forces Supreme Commander Gen Ruengroj Mahasaranond said the current phase of uncertainty will come to an end with a political solution to the problem, and there would be no need for the military to force regime change.
“This situation is political and this should be solved by political means,” he told reporters this morning. “The military has not pressured the prime minister in any way.”
He added: “I have no idea where these rumors have come from.”
An alliance to oust Thaksin has given the premier until Sunday to step down, claiming he abused his power by eroding democratic institutions and gearing policy to enrich the business interests of his family and cronies.
They say they will take to the streets if Thaksin refuses to resign, which could spark violence and a repeat of political revolutions of the past, most of which have ended following military intervention.
