Armed forces chief says coup d’etat ‘only a rumour’

BANGKOK: — Thailand’s armed forces chief on Friday dismissed rumours that the Royal Thai Army has planned a coup d’etat against the government, saying that such an act would not benefit the nation.

Thai Armed Forces Supreme Commander Gen. Ruengroj Mahasaranond said the rumours regarding a military coup which have spread since early this year were groundless, entirely unsubstantiated, and that the media reporting on them has been misled by some ordinary military exercises that gave them the wrong idea.

”Don’t listen to those rumours but listen to me,” Gen. Ruengroj said. “The military will not do a coup d’etat because the country will suffer.”

However, the general acknowledged that some disagreements had indeed taken place among military personnel with different opinions regarding the annual reshuffle, but said that that was normal activity and that it did not cause a rift.

”People outside the military don’t know the truth so they misunderstood us,” Gen. Ruengroj said. “I want to reassure the public that the military is unified.”

The supreme commander said he expected to propose the reshuffle list to the minister of defense next week.

”I will consult with the commanders of the three armed forces and the defense minister about any changes [that might take place] ahead of the meeting by the defense council,” the supreme commander said.

–TNA 2006-07-21

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