Thai PM undergoes hospital tests

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Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has been admitted to hospital for a medical check-up, fuelling rumours that he may resign.

Mr Surayud abruptly cancelled all his engagements to go to the hospital in Bangkok for the four-day examination.

A government spokesman denied the rumours that Mr Surayud, 63, may quit, saying the prime minister just had "personal business to attend to".

Mr Surayud was appointed by the military after a coup in September.

Mounting criticism

Mr Surayud's doctor told journalists the prime minister was being tested for bowel cancer, but that initial results had shown nothing unusual.

The doctor, Prinya Taweechaikarn, said: "Overall his health is fine, but we have to check his intestine system thoroughly in the next couple of days."

The prime minister has been facing mounting criticism of his performance and rising protests over the military coup.

In February, the finance minister resigned, citing rifts in the government.

Mr Surayud announced last month that general elections would be held in December but there are concerns the timeframe for drafting a new constitution and holding the polls might not be met.

Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said the prime minister had no intention of resigning.

Mr Surayud's close aide, Lt Gen Nilnat Diewkhaimuk, added: "I have worked with him for a long time, he has never showed a sign that he would give up."

But Defence Minister Boonrod Somtad said: "If this government cannot keep the peace, it will have to let another government take care of things instead."