Government won’t launch coup against itself

BANGKOK, Jan 31 (TNA) — Despite Thailand’s ongoing political turbulence, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Sunday assured the public that the Abhisit government is still in control and that it has no need to carry out a coup against itself.

His remarks were made after the main opposition Puea Thai Party voiced concerns of an imminent coup, charging that Mr Abhisit’s coalition government is unable to control the situation.

The government already has state power in its hands and there is no reason for it to mount a coup against itself, said Mr Suthep.

On recent remarks by Maj-Gen. Khattiya Sawasdipol warning of ‘death threats’ against judges, members of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and former members of the now disbanded Assets Examination Committee (AEC), Mr Suthep said an investigation must be launched whether the warning could be interpreted as “intimidation” and if it is, then action must be taken against the major-general, for threats can’t be made against judges or courts.

The warnings by Gen Khattiya, also known as ‘Seh Deang’, came as judges are scheduled to hand down their verdict on February 26 regarding as to whether the Bt76 billion in frozen assets were accumulated illegally by Thaksin Shinawatra while he was prime minister and should be seized.

Mr Thaksin was ousted in a bloodless coup in September 2006.

Mr Suthep said it is impossible to ask Gen. Khattiya to stop making negative remarks because the unusually vocal officer listens to no one. But he probably knows that legal action can be taken against someone who commits illegal activity, Mr Suthep added. (TNA)