Coup fears increase

07 มกราคม 2557

Troop and equipment movements, the upcoming Bangkok shutdown and even an astrologer's observation, are increasing government fears of a coup.

Please join us on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/bangkokpostlearning

The transport of troops, helicopters and other armaments such as artillery and tanks from the provinces to Bangkok began last night, sparking coup fears. The army insists, however, the movement is in preparation for a Children's Day show and an Army Day parade. PATTARAPONG CHATPRATTARASILL

Army silence sparks coup panic

ANALYSIS: Prayuth under fresh scrutiny as Pheu Thai Party raises putsch fears for the first time

Wassana Nanuam

The military has emerged as the key player and is under tremendous pressure from all sides in the face of the fierce political conflict that many fear will escalate next week.

Observers are watching with intense interest to see what the armed forces will do ahead of the People's Democratic Reform Committee's (PDRC) planned city "shutdown" on Monday with some believing a military coup might be a distinct possibility.

A week before the shutdown, the government is increasingly worried about the prospect of a coup, especially given the army's recent silence.

The Pheu Thai Party, via Sunisa Lertphakkawat, deputy spokeswoman for the caretaker government, has for the first time raised suspicions about a PDRC "secret" plan to lure the military into staging a coup.

According to Ms Sunisa, the PDRC has tried to convince the military that it will emerge as the hero from the current conflict by mounting a coup.

She said a plan is under way to create a pretext for troops to intervene. As part of this plan, a small violent attack on the protesters will be staged which will set the coup in motion.

Ms Sunisa added that Jan 14 has been singled out by the PDRC's astrologer as an auspicious day for a military putsch.

But protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban last night denied the PDRC has any secret plot to induce a military coup, saying that the PDRC is being straightforward in its campaign to oust the caretaker government. "If a coup happens, it would result from the [own faults] of the government," he said.

Rumours of military intervention increased after the army announced a plan to transport troops, helicopters and other armaments such as artillery and tanks from the provinces to Bangkok this week.

Army assurances that the movements are merely preparations for a parade marking Army Day on Jan 18 in the capital have failed to persuade the government and the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) that a putsch is not in the making.

Red-shirt leaders from around the country are gathering today in Nakorn Ratchasima to make plans to resist any attempts at carrying out a coup. PRASIT TANGPRASERT

UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan called on army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha to clarify if the weapons are destined for a parade or for a coup.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit earlier claimed two army generals are behind the PDRC.

Mr Jatuporn's remark drew a rebuke from deputy army spokesman Col Winthai Suwaree who urged Mr Jatuporn to refrain from spreading false information.

Concerns about a coup stem from the close ties between Mr Suthep and former defence minister Prawit Wongsuwan and former army chief Anupong Paochinda.

Both former army leaders command respect from Gen Prayuth and have close ties with the Democrat Party.

Gen Prayuth lent weight to rumours of a coup when he refused to reject the possibility of one happening.

In a recent interview, he said: "The military does not shut nor open the door to a coup. Anything can happen, depending on the situation."

The prospect of a coup has scared the government because no one knows what will take place in the aftermath. The only thing that is certain is that Yingluck Shinawatra's government would no longer be in charge. Changes that come after a coup may undermine the government and power of Ms Yingluck's brother, exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Despite the prolonged street protests, the government has so far maintained its grip on power.

However, Gen Prayuth, whose mandatory retirement is due at the end of September, is proceeding with caution.

The armed forces have avoided the anti-government street protests over the past few weeks. They have mediated talks between the PDRC and the prime minister. The military has also distanced itself from any security operations that may lead to a violent dispersal of protesters. Troops are deployed to guard buildings only.

Even with Gen Prayuth not ruling out a coup, it is believed he wants to avoid one and any violent confrontation between security forces and protesters at all costs.

You can read the full story here: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/388268/army-silence-sparks-coup-panic