July 7, 2008
Bangkok - The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) coordinator Suriyasai Katasila revealed soldiers who have close relationship with the then-premier Thaksin Shinawatra planned to stage a coup to help free Thaksin from all accusations.
Suriyasai yesterday said the coup was to protect the former prime minister from all allegations as cases against him are considered by court.
He urged people to keep eye on the military transfer in October as it could be used to pave way for the 10th class of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School (AFAPS) to make a coup.
It was said several million baht were proposed to the Office of Attorney-General so that cases against Thaksin would not be prosecuted.
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej last week gave news that he would be arrested at the airport when he came back from Brunei.
Veera Somkwamkid, secretary-general of the Anti-Corruption People’s Network, confirmed the news was not groundless.
Samak was urged to closely keep his eye on a group of soldiers who is making a movement -- Gen Ruangroj Mahasaranont, Gen Chaisit Shinawatra, Lt Gen Prin Suwannathat, Gen Trairong Suwannathat, Gen Pornchai Kranlert, Lt Gen Ruangsak Thongdee, ACM Sukampol Suwannathat, ACM Sumet Bhodimanee, ACM Pongsathorn Buasap and Air Vice Marshal Sarayuth Thepsitha.
But Gen Ruangroj denied the news, saying he did not have such an idea.
