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Thai coup general quits position | Thai coup general quits position |
(about 3 hours later) | |
The general heading the military council which has effectively run Thailand since a bloodless coup last year has stepped down from his post. | |
Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who helped depose former PM Thaksin Shinawatra last September, resigned as head of the Council for National Security. | Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who helped depose former PM Thaksin Shinawatra last September, resigned as head of the Council for National Security. |
Government officials said he had agreed to take up the post of deputy prime minister, overseeing internal security. | Government officials said he had agreed to take up the post of deputy prime minister, overseeing internal security. |
The general is said to be close to the revered King, Bhumibol Adulyadej. | The general is said to be close to the revered King, Bhumibol Adulyadej. |
PM's job? | |
Thailand's military-installed government has promised to hold elections in December and Gen Sonthi's move has prompted speculation that he is interested in becoming prime minister. | |
The current premier, retired general Surayud Chulanont, has faced criticism over his performance. | |
The head of Thailand's air force, Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk, has taken over as the new head of the military, a spokesman says. | |
The military seized control, accusing the twice-elected Mr Thaksin of corruption and abuse of power. | The military seized control, accusing the twice-elected Mr Thaksin of corruption and abuse of power. |
The coup leaders formed a seven-member Council for National Security, whose agenda included a timetable for the restoration of a civilian government and elections. | |
It also maintained substantial powers over the drafting of a new constitution. |