The Third Army sent a battalion of troops to Bangkok last night following fears of the return of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and protests against the election of Meechai Ruchupan as National Legislative Assembly (NLA) president. An army source said the troops were sent from Nakhon Sawan, the closest contingent of the Third Army to Bangkok. Another four battalions were reported to be moving down from Phitsanulok.
Army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin has instructed the First Army, especially units based in Bangkok, to be on alert to deal with any untoward developments over the coming week, the source said.
For its part, the Fourth Army in charge of the South has been instructed to step up road checkpoints in the region for fear that Mr Thaksin might sneak back by car into the country from Malaysia via Singapore, the source added.
The precautions followed unconfirmed reports that Mr Thaksin had travelled to Singapore from England, where he has been in self-imposed exile since he was ousted in the Sept 19 coup.
''We have to take precautions because Pol Lt-Col Thaksin is the sort of person who says yes when he means no and no when he means yes,'' the source noted.
The military movements came to light after Mr Meechai was elected president of the NLA yesterday, in a move that sparked fierce criticism from anti-Thaksin groups who see him as being loyal to the deposed prime minister.
More here: http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/25Oct2006_news01.php
Third Army moves troops to capital
Third Army moves troops to capital
I intend to live forever - so far so good.