Thai PM 'overthrown in army coup'
A faction of the Thai military says it has overthrown Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, with soldiers entering his offices and tanks surrounding the building
BBC news 7pm Tuesday
CNN 8:30 a.m. --Tanks rolling into BKK
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'Coup' sparks Thailand emergency
Tanks took up positions outside Government House
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok amid reports of a coup attempt.
Soldiers have entered Government House and tanks have moved into position around the building.
Mr Thaksin, who is at the UN in New York, said he had removed the chief of the army.
National television announced that forces had taken control of Bangkok "to maintain law and order", and that they were declaring loyalty to the king.
However, the BBC's Kate McGeown in Bangkok says King Bhumibol is held in high esteem by all Thais, and the declaration of loyalty does not necessarily imply that he backs the takeover attempt.
An army-owned TV station is showing images of the royal family and songs linked in the past with military coups.
The announcement said the troops belonged to the "Council of Political Reform".
BBC World, CNN and other international news channels have been taken off the air, readers in Thailand told the BBC News website by email.
Our correspondent says low-level rumours of a possible coup have been circulating for weeks.
Thai media say that two army factions appear to be heading for a clash, with one side backing the prime minister and the other side backing military commander Lieutenant General Sonthi Boonyaratglin.
The general was sacked by the prime minister earlier in the day.
Political impasse
Our correspondent Jonathan Head said it was not clear which faction had taken the initiative and moved into Government House.
He said there has been pressure growing on the prime minister to resign, including groups close to King Bhumibol, following a political impasse in which April's general election was declared invalid.
Troops and guys dressed in Swat-style gear are strolling around
Russell Miles, Bangkok
Eyewitnesses describe turmoil
But it was thought that Thailand was making progress towards holding another election later in the year, our correspondent says.
Witnesses said several hundred troops were posted at key points around Bangkok, including at government installations and major intersections.
Russell Miles emailed the BBC News website to say there were troops "dressed in Swat-style gear strolling around" near Government House, and "a tense, but fairly controlled atmosphere".
He said: "We saw a group of blokes bundling a cameraman and another chap into a van. We are taking photos, but not out in the open."
At the United Nations, where the annual General Assembly is under way, it was announced that the agenda had been changed to allow Mr Thaksin to address it in the coming hours.
'Coup' sparks Thailand emergency
Tanks took up positions outside Government House
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok amid reports of a coup attempt.
Soldiers have entered Government House and tanks have moved into position around the building.
Mr Thaksin, who is at the UN in New York, said he had removed the chief of the army.
National television announced that forces had taken control of Bangkok "to maintain law and order", and that they were declaring loyalty to the king.
However, the BBC's Kate McGeown in Bangkok says King Bhumibol is held in high esteem by all Thais, and the declaration of loyalty does not necessarily imply that he backs the takeover attempt.
An army-owned TV station is showing images of the royal family and songs linked in the past with military coups.
The announcement said the troops belonged to the "Council of Political Reform".
BBC World, CNN and other international news channels have been taken off the air, readers in Thailand told the BBC News website by email.
Our correspondent says low-level rumours of a possible coup have been circulating for weeks.
Thai media say that two army factions appear to be heading for a clash, with one side backing the prime minister and the other side backing military commander Lieutenant General Sonthi Boonyaratglin.
The general was sacked by the prime minister earlier in the day.
Political impasse
Our correspondent Jonathan Head said it was not clear which faction had taken the initiative and moved into Government House.
He said there has been pressure growing on the prime minister to resign, including groups close to King Bhumibol, following a political impasse in which April's general election was declared invalid.
Troops and guys dressed in Swat-style gear are strolling around
Russell Miles, Bangkok
Eyewitnesses describe turmoil
But it was thought that Thailand was making progress towards holding another election later in the year, our correspondent says.
Witnesses said several hundred troops were posted at key points around Bangkok, including at government installations and major intersections.
Russell Miles emailed the BBC News website to say there were troops "dressed in Swat-style gear strolling around" near Government House, and "a tense, but fairly controlled atmosphere".
He said: "We saw a group of blokes bundling a cameraman and another chap into a van. We are taking photos, but not out in the open."
At the United Nations, where the annual General Assembly is under way, it was announced that the agenda had been changed to allow Mr Thaksin to address it in the coming hours.
Statement from the military reformist
The following is the statement from the miliary reform council.
There has been social division like never before. Each side has been trying to conquer another with all possible means and the situation tends to intensify with growing doubts on the administration amid widespread reported corruption.
State units and independent organisations have been politically meddled, not able to deliver their services as specified in the Constitution.
The administration is also usually bordering on "lest majest" actions against the revered King. Despite attempts from social units for compromises, there is no way to end the conflicts.
The revolution body thus needs to seize power. We have no intention to rule but to return the power to the people as soon as possible, to preserve peace and honour the King who is the most revered to all Thais.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09 ... 014072.php
The following is the statement from the miliary reform council.
There has been social division like never before. Each side has been trying to conquer another with all possible means and the situation tends to intensify with growing doubts on the administration amid widespread reported corruption.
State units and independent organisations have been politically meddled, not able to deliver their services as specified in the Constitution.
The administration is also usually bordering on "lest majest" actions against the revered King. Despite attempts from social units for compromises, there is no way to end the conflicts.
The revolution body thus needs to seize power. We have no intention to rule but to return the power to the people as soon as possible, to preserve peace and honour the King who is the most revered to all Thais.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/09 ... 014072.php
Well, according to the Beeb, the military leaders have met the King. That they claim the coup was acting in his name, although not known with his backing?
All seems calm on the streets and visitors are being told to avoid large groups?!
Guess where the missus travelled to today? Yup, Bangers! To take exams over the next 2 days. I phoned her and woke her up. She knew nothing about it and was keen to get back to sleep as her first exam is 08.30.
Such is the enormity of what is happening!!!
All seems calm on the streets and visitors are being told to avoid large groups?!
Guess where the missus travelled to today? Yup, Bangers! To take exams over the next 2 days. I phoned her and woke her up. She knew nothing about it and was keen to get back to sleep as her first exam is 08.30.
Such is the enormity of what is happening!!!
Talk is cheap
A Thai army spokesman has said that the Govt is no longer administrating the Country, that the PM will not return to the Country for the time being. Martial Law declared narionwide - ban on all unauthorised travel.
But constantly we're getting messages here thats its a temporary action and an interim Govt. will be announced soon.
Spokesman for PM is saying otherwise and that he is still in charge?
But constantly we're getting messages here thats its a temporary action and an interim Govt. will be announced soon.
Spokesman for PM is saying otherwise and that he is still in charge?
Talk is cheap
Caretaker PM tries to fight back
Shortly after receiving news of an attempted coup in Bangkok caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra gathered reporters representing the Thai news media to his New York hotel at about 9pm Thai time.
He told them he had been informed of the coup attempt and was about to address the nation via an Internet broadcast on staterun television Channel 9. He would declare a state of emergency.
Meanwhile, in Bangkok soldiers were seen surrounding the Thaicom satellite receiving station at Khae Rai at about 9.30pm. Another group of troops seized control of staterun television station Channel 11.
Tanks and personnel carriers were observed on Rajdamnoen Avenue and its nearby vicinity surprising onlookers.
Troops were deployed at the Tevet Intersection and at the residence of Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda for his security.
By press time this morning tanks and military vehicles armed with machine guns were stationed at Government House, the Royal Plaza and government units along Rajdamnoen Avenue.
At Government House, reporters were asked to leave the building and remain outside while Cabinet secretarygeneral Prommin Lertsuridej and Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya rushed in.
As news of the attempted coup spread, senior military commanders met at Armyrun television Channel 5 headquarters. It was suspected they were preparing to announce the coup.
A group of pro-Thaksin officers, meanwhile, reportedly met at the home of Defence Minister Thamarak Isarangura.
At about 10.30pm, a bus loaded with soldiers from the 11th Military Police Battalion arrived at Government House. Their commander spent about five minutes negotiating with the security staff before the troops were allowed inside without any resistance.
Sources said troops participating in the coup were from the 1st and 3rd Army Regions, the Internal Security Operations Command, the Special Warfare Centre and Army units in Nakhon Ratchasima and Prachin Buri provinces and sections of the Navy.
Before announcing his state of emergency Thaksin had decided to return home ahead of schedule and should be back in the country by tomorrow. However, his movements in the event of a successful coup remained uncertain.
Sources said Thamarak and Mass Communication Organisation of Thailand director Mingkwan Saengsuwan, who oversees television Channel 9, were detained by troops following the broadcast of Thaksin's announce¬ment.
Soldiers wearing yellow identification cloth on their fatigues above the right breast seized the station.
The nation 2006-09-20
Shortly after receiving news of an attempted coup in Bangkok caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra gathered reporters representing the Thai news media to his New York hotel at about 9pm Thai time.
He told them he had been informed of the coup attempt and was about to address the nation via an Internet broadcast on staterun television Channel 9. He would declare a state of emergency.
Meanwhile, in Bangkok soldiers were seen surrounding the Thaicom satellite receiving station at Khae Rai at about 9.30pm. Another group of troops seized control of staterun television station Channel 11.
Tanks and personnel carriers were observed on Rajdamnoen Avenue and its nearby vicinity surprising onlookers.
Troops were deployed at the Tevet Intersection and at the residence of Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda for his security.
By press time this morning tanks and military vehicles armed with machine guns were stationed at Government House, the Royal Plaza and government units along Rajdamnoen Avenue.
At Government House, reporters were asked to leave the building and remain outside while Cabinet secretarygeneral Prommin Lertsuridej and Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya rushed in.
As news of the attempted coup spread, senior military commanders met at Armyrun television Channel 5 headquarters. It was suspected they were preparing to announce the coup.
A group of pro-Thaksin officers, meanwhile, reportedly met at the home of Defence Minister Thamarak Isarangura.
At about 10.30pm, a bus loaded with soldiers from the 11th Military Police Battalion arrived at Government House. Their commander spent about five minutes negotiating with the security staff before the troops were allowed inside without any resistance.
Sources said troops participating in the coup were from the 1st and 3rd Army Regions, the Internal Security Operations Command, the Special Warfare Centre and Army units in Nakhon Ratchasima and Prachin Buri provinces and sections of the Navy.
Before announcing his state of emergency Thaksin had decided to return home ahead of schedule and should be back in the country by tomorrow. However, his movements in the event of a successful coup remained uncertain.
Sources said Thamarak and Mass Communication Organisation of Thailand director Mingkwan Saengsuwan, who oversees television Channel 9, were detained by troops following the broadcast of Thaksin's announce¬ment.
Soldiers wearing yellow identification cloth on their fatigues above the right breast seized the station.
The nation 2006-09-20
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Months of rumours come true
Finally, it had come down to a military showdown.
Fighting vehemently to ward off a coup plot against his government while he was still in New York, caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had to act first. He went on TV Channel 9 at about 10:20 PM in a voiceover to head off the coup at home by placing Bangkok under an emergency law.
Strangely enough, other TV channels did not cover the prime minister's speech. TV Channel 5 still aired a programme about the royal activities as if nothing had happened. But the Thais all knew that something very unusual was going on when Channel 5, controlled by the Royal Army, removed its usual programme from the air.
Rumours had swirled around the capital since the morning that a coup was imminent. There were unusual troop movements from the upcountry moving into Bangkok. The two persons who got the most attention from the Thaksin camp were Gen Sonthi Boonyaratklin, the army chief, and Gen Anupong Phaochinda, the head of the First Infantry Division.
The First Infantry Division had turned out to become the headquarters of unusual troop|movements. One military source said troops from Prachin Buri, which used to be under Gen Anupong, were arriving at the First Infantry Division on the Viphavadee Rangsit Road in the evening. They were joined by the troops of the Special Warfare Command from Lopburi, which used to be under the command of Gen Sonthi.
But the members of Class 10 of the Chulachom Klao Military Academy, who are loyal to Thaksin, were standing by. They knew that the final showdown had come. They got the Third and Fourth Calvary Battalion, the AntiAircraft Artillery prepared within their barracks.
There was a tense confrontation between the two opposing sides. Who would blink first?
Whoever moved first in this dangerous game could be charged with treason against the state or the Constitution.
A fuming Thaksin had realised all along that his battle against the Thai elite would boil down to this military confrontation. Through a voiceover heard over Channel 9, Thaksin read out the emergency statement ordering Gen Sonthi to report to the Office of the Prime Minister under the command of Pol Gen Chidchai Vanasaditya, the deputy prime minister.
This technically amounted to a removal of Sonthi from his powerful post. He then assigned Ruengroj Mahasaranond, the supreme commander, to be in charge of all aspects of security in Bangkok.
Thaksin learnt about the plot while he was in New York. At 9pm Bangkok time, he went to his hotel room and called the reporters from the Mass Communication Organisation of Thailand and Channel 11 to tell them that he would have an important message to tell them.
As it turned out, he would declare a state of emergency covering Bangkok in order to preempt a military coup at home. He thought he had an upper hand because he was an elected leader of a democratic country.
But logistics did not go his way. Thaksin planned to have his message sent via satellite signal to Channel 9. But he was told that it could not be done technically. It would work out better if he spoke over the phone directly to the TV channel.
Thaksin decided to switch to Channel 11 to air his state of emergency declaration. But before he could do so, the military took over Channel 11. The editors and reporters were taken to another room.
All the other statecontrolled TV stations, owned by the military, were ordered to stand by to air an important message.
But somehow Thaksin did not face a total blackout. He was allowed to air his state of emergency declaration on Channel 9, with a still photo of him accompanied by his live telephone speech.
Sources said the military confrontation could last until tomorrow while all the combat military personnel were summoned to station in their bases.
At the time of going to the press, nobody would dare predict the final outcome.
Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai appeared on CNN to try to calm the international audience, who had been wondering all along about the timing of the new election, about the political crisis in the capital. He said the army chief was trying to oust the democratically elected government and that Thaksin was still prime minister.
But a few minutes later, at 11pm, the Gen Sonthi camp effectively took over with tanks parking at all the strategic places around the capital.
A military coup was finally staged.
It was as much a military war as a media war for control of the time slot.
A statement was read out through all the TV channels that all the armed and police forces had taken control of Bangkok and the neighbouring areas without resistance. The names of the coup leaders, who called themselves a military reformist unit, were withheld. To maintain peace, the statement on behalf of the Political Reform Group sought cooperation from the public to maintain peace. It also apologised for any inconvenience the coup may cause to the Thai public.
At first, it looked like a deadlock situation, without any party showing an upper hand or a convincing victory as yet. The situation was very confusing and remained very fluid.
Troops supporting to the Thaksin camp still put up a resistance as of last night. There were reports that troops from Prachin Buri and Chacheongsao would move into the capital early this morning to fortify the position of Gen Sonthi.
As the day was over, it appeared that the Gen Sonthi camp gained the advantage. Gen Sonthi appeared from the shadow to make a countermove by announcing a state of emergency to override Thaksin's announcement earlier. He forbid any troop movements without his order.
Political sources said it would be interesting to see how the confrontation would develop and how the Thaksin camp would rally supporters to protest against the coup.
Nobody could predict the final outcome as Thaksin looked serious that he would fight to his political end. Thaksin could go to the UN to tell the whole world not to accept the coup at home.
The Sonthi camp has also crossed the threshold into uncharted territories.
The Nation 2006-09-20
Finally, it had come down to a military showdown.
Fighting vehemently to ward off a coup plot against his government while he was still in New York, caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had to act first. He went on TV Channel 9 at about 10:20 PM in a voiceover to head off the coup at home by placing Bangkok under an emergency law.
Strangely enough, other TV channels did not cover the prime minister's speech. TV Channel 5 still aired a programme about the royal activities as if nothing had happened. But the Thais all knew that something very unusual was going on when Channel 5, controlled by the Royal Army, removed its usual programme from the air.
Rumours had swirled around the capital since the morning that a coup was imminent. There were unusual troop movements from the upcountry moving into Bangkok. The two persons who got the most attention from the Thaksin camp were Gen Sonthi Boonyaratklin, the army chief, and Gen Anupong Phaochinda, the head of the First Infantry Division.
The First Infantry Division had turned out to become the headquarters of unusual troop|movements. One military source said troops from Prachin Buri, which used to be under Gen Anupong, were arriving at the First Infantry Division on the Viphavadee Rangsit Road in the evening. They were joined by the troops of the Special Warfare Command from Lopburi, which used to be under the command of Gen Sonthi.
But the members of Class 10 of the Chulachom Klao Military Academy, who are loyal to Thaksin, were standing by. They knew that the final showdown had come. They got the Third and Fourth Calvary Battalion, the AntiAircraft Artillery prepared within their barracks.
There was a tense confrontation between the two opposing sides. Who would blink first?
Whoever moved first in this dangerous game could be charged with treason against the state or the Constitution.
A fuming Thaksin had realised all along that his battle against the Thai elite would boil down to this military confrontation. Through a voiceover heard over Channel 9, Thaksin read out the emergency statement ordering Gen Sonthi to report to the Office of the Prime Minister under the command of Pol Gen Chidchai Vanasaditya, the deputy prime minister.
This technically amounted to a removal of Sonthi from his powerful post. He then assigned Ruengroj Mahasaranond, the supreme commander, to be in charge of all aspects of security in Bangkok.
Thaksin learnt about the plot while he was in New York. At 9pm Bangkok time, he went to his hotel room and called the reporters from the Mass Communication Organisation of Thailand and Channel 11 to tell them that he would have an important message to tell them.
As it turned out, he would declare a state of emergency covering Bangkok in order to preempt a military coup at home. He thought he had an upper hand because he was an elected leader of a democratic country.
But logistics did not go his way. Thaksin planned to have his message sent via satellite signal to Channel 9. But he was told that it could not be done technically. It would work out better if he spoke over the phone directly to the TV channel.
Thaksin decided to switch to Channel 11 to air his state of emergency declaration. But before he could do so, the military took over Channel 11. The editors and reporters were taken to another room.
All the other statecontrolled TV stations, owned by the military, were ordered to stand by to air an important message.
But somehow Thaksin did not face a total blackout. He was allowed to air his state of emergency declaration on Channel 9, with a still photo of him accompanied by his live telephone speech.
Sources said the military confrontation could last until tomorrow while all the combat military personnel were summoned to station in their bases.
At the time of going to the press, nobody would dare predict the final outcome.
Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai appeared on CNN to try to calm the international audience, who had been wondering all along about the timing of the new election, about the political crisis in the capital. He said the army chief was trying to oust the democratically elected government and that Thaksin was still prime minister.
But a few minutes later, at 11pm, the Gen Sonthi camp effectively took over with tanks parking at all the strategic places around the capital.
A military coup was finally staged.
It was as much a military war as a media war for control of the time slot.
A statement was read out through all the TV channels that all the armed and police forces had taken control of Bangkok and the neighbouring areas without resistance. The names of the coup leaders, who called themselves a military reformist unit, were withheld. To maintain peace, the statement on behalf of the Political Reform Group sought cooperation from the public to maintain peace. It also apologised for any inconvenience the coup may cause to the Thai public.
At first, it looked like a deadlock situation, without any party showing an upper hand or a convincing victory as yet. The situation was very confusing and remained very fluid.
Troops supporting to the Thaksin camp still put up a resistance as of last night. There were reports that troops from Prachin Buri and Chacheongsao would move into the capital early this morning to fortify the position of Gen Sonthi.
As the day was over, it appeared that the Gen Sonthi camp gained the advantage. Gen Sonthi appeared from the shadow to make a countermove by announcing a state of emergency to override Thaksin's announcement earlier. He forbid any troop movements without his order.
Political sources said it would be interesting to see how the confrontation would develop and how the Thaksin camp would rally supporters to protest against the coup.
Nobody could predict the final outcome as Thaksin looked serious that he would fight to his political end. Thaksin could go to the UN to tell the whole world not to accept the coup at home.
The Sonthi camp has also crossed the threshold into uncharted territories.
The Nation 2006-09-20
With A Name Like Bas, It Has To Be Good.
Thaksin still apparently stuck in his hotel room but its been announced his speech to the UN will go ahead, but earlier than planned - around midnight US time.
Meanwhile the beeb are suggesting the coup appears to have succeeeded and a transtion to an interim govt. is going ahead?
I guess theres a lot more to come out in the wash yet? Interesting that the report from the Nation - the guys on the ground - appears a little at odds to international reports.
Be interestring to see what Thaksin has to say, although it can't be hard to imagine the gist of it - will anyone in LOS hear it?
Meanwhile the beeb are suggesting the coup appears to have succeeeded and a transtion to an interim govt. is going ahead?
I guess theres a lot more to come out in the wash yet? Interesting that the report from the Nation - the guys on the ground - appears a little at odds to international reports.
Be interestring to see what Thaksin has to say, although it can't be hard to imagine the gist of it - will anyone in LOS hear it?
Talk is cheap
Thaksin to address UN early
The Associated Press
Published: September 18, 2006
UNITED NATIONS Thailand's prime minister will address the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday evening, a day earlier than planned, as he faced a military coup at home, the United Nations said.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who had been due to speak on Wednesday, switched places with Montenegro on the speaker's list due to the developing events in Thailand, according to the U.N. spokesman's office.
Tanks and armored units of the Thai military have blocked the area around Thaksin's offices in Bangkok, and he declared a state of emergency via a government-owned TV station.
An announcement on Thai television declared that a "Council of Administrative Reform," with King Bhumibol Adulyadej as head of state, had seized power in Bangkok and nearby provinces without resistance.
In New York, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice returned to her hotel from U.N. headquarters to speak with her staff about the coup. U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said it was still too early to comment but appealed for the maintenance of the rule of law.
"We have press reports and I think for now the important thing is to look for the sustaining of constitutional processes in Thailand," Bolton said.
Word of the coup spread quickly among about two dozen protesters who gathered across the street from the United Nations, demanding that Thaksin resign. They were constantly on cell phones, keeping in touch with friends and family in Thailand.
"I think something is happening this moment," said Patty Vongchan, who has lived in the United States for 34 years but said she has protested at the U.N. every year since Thaksin took office in 2001. "It's overdue."
Thailand's U.N. mission a few blocks from the U.N. was quiet. A man washing the glass doors said his only information came from media reports.
On Monday, Thaksin had said he may step down as leader of Thailand after the upcoming elections but would remain at the helm of his party, despite calls for him to give up the post.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/09/ ... ailand.php
The Associated Press
Published: September 18, 2006
UNITED NATIONS Thailand's prime minister will address the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday evening, a day earlier than planned, as he faced a military coup at home, the United Nations said.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who had been due to speak on Wednesday, switched places with Montenegro on the speaker's list due to the developing events in Thailand, according to the U.N. spokesman's office.
Tanks and armored units of the Thai military have blocked the area around Thaksin's offices in Bangkok, and he declared a state of emergency via a government-owned TV station.
An announcement on Thai television declared that a "Council of Administrative Reform," with King Bhumibol Adulyadej as head of state, had seized power in Bangkok and nearby provinces without resistance.
In New York, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice returned to her hotel from U.N. headquarters to speak with her staff about the coup. U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said it was still too early to comment but appealed for the maintenance of the rule of law.
"We have press reports and I think for now the important thing is to look for the sustaining of constitutional processes in Thailand," Bolton said.
Word of the coup spread quickly among about two dozen protesters who gathered across the street from the United Nations, demanding that Thaksin resign. They were constantly on cell phones, keeping in touch with friends and family in Thailand.
"I think something is happening this moment," said Patty Vongchan, who has lived in the United States for 34 years but said she has protested at the U.N. every year since Thaksin took office in 2001. "It's overdue."
Thailand's U.N. mission a few blocks from the U.N. was quiet. A man washing the glass doors said his only information came from media reports.
On Monday, Thaksin had said he may step down as leader of Thailand after the upcoming elections but would remain at the helm of his party, despite calls for him to give up the post.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/09/ ... ailand.php
Last edited by hogus on Wed Sep 20, 2006 2:49 am, edited 1 time in total.