January 5, 2006
BANGKOK (AFP) - Thailand's army-installed prime minister and a top junta member met Friday to consider tightening security in Bangkok, after the military denied rumors of a new coup during the night.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and the junta's secretary general, Winai Phattiyakul, met at Government House amid soaring political tensions that were ignited by a series of deadly bombings in Bangkok on New Year's Eve.
Defense Minister Boonrawd Somtas told reporters Thursday that the bombers were most likely "men in uniform".
Hours later, rumors began to swirl around Bangkok that a new coup was underway, forcing the junta leader to speak late Thursday and early Friday on national television to ease public fears.
General Sonthi Boonyaratglin denied that he had mobilized forces to reassert direct military control over the country, and also denied rumors of a counter-coup against his own regime.
"Why would we do this? We risked our lives in response to the demands of the people. Why would we do it again?" Sonthi told Channel 9 television during the night.
The military said 300 soldiers had been deployed around Bangkok, but only to provide security against the threat of new bomb attacks. A televised announcement described the movements as a normal rotation.
Meanwhile, the deputy army chief, General Saprang Kalayanamitr, told Thai media that he also feared the Bangkok bombers could be rogue elements within the military.
"I also want to know if the bomber was a renegade within the military. If so, he should be doubly punished because he has committed gruesome crimes," he told Matichon newspaper.
"And when I say military, it does not mean he got orders from the military commanders. He could be working on orders from the mafia. There are bad soldiers who are under control of the mafia or thug politicians," he told the paper.
Military leaders led by Sonthi seized power from twice-elected premier Thaksin Shinawatra in a bloodless coup on September 19. The junta later installed a government led by Surayud, a retired general.
Although the majority of Thais appeared to support the coup, there have been some grumblings lately that Sonthi has been interfering in day-to-day government matters, and the country has been on edge since Sunday's deadly blasts.
The military and the government have said they believe the bombings that killed three and wounded 42 were politically motivated, but have not directly implicated Thaksin or his party.
Thaksin, who has been in exile since the coup, has denied any role in the blasts. Analysts have said that elements in the police loyal to Thaksin, but acting independently of the ousted leader, could be behind the bombings.