May 6, 2008
BANGKOK - Prime Mnister Samak Sundaravej urged opposition supporters not to incite another military coup because of constitution amendments.
Samak's ruling People Power Party (PPP) and its five coalition partners are considering a series of changes to the constitution.
He was facing accusations of being disloyal to the country's revered monarchy, as did Thaksin before he was removed, according to AFP.
"There is widespread incitement by those who are focusing on the issue of the constitutional amendments and accuse me of being disloyal to the monarchy like Thaksin. They believe I should be removed from office," Samak told a seminar of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council.
Refuting any similarities to Thaksin, Samak reiterated that his government had been democratically elected.
"There are people trying to incite the military to stage another coup," he said, adding that a rumour had circulated claiming the military had already executed a drill in preparation for a coup.
The government would press ahead with the amendments. The PPP will meet with other five smaller parties on May 7 to discuss the document.
"We have had 18 constitutions and 30 amendments so I am eager to know why this amendment would end up in bloodshed.
Samak attacked those who oppose the amendments, asking why they had remained silent when the military scrapped the 1997 constitution after the 2006 coup.
He insisted that the amendments would not be written to benefit his party or its partners as they would not come into effect until the following parliament.
