Thailand’s army on January 6 rejected rumours of an imminent military coup to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
The rumours came after the military moved troops, tanks and combat gear to the capital Bangkok from its northern outskirts.
First Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Varah Boonyasit said that ten battalions of troops, tanks, army vehicles and ammunition were being transported to the headquarters of the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bangkok to prepare for a parade inside the barracks scheduled for January 18, Thai Armed Forces Day.
The troops and tanks preparing to join in the annual parade come from the Second Infantry Division in Prachinburi province, the 31st Infantry Regiment in Lopburi province, the 21st Infantry Regiment in Chonburi province and the Cavalry Centre in Saraburi province, according to Varah.
"Such activities are not preparations for a military coup as groundlessly rumoured. Members of the public need not fear," Varah said.
Rehearsals are being conducted in the compound of the 11th Infantry Regiment, he added.
Foreign military attachés in Bangkok will be invited to attend the parade with the attendance of Thai Army Chief General Prayudh and Supreme Commander General Tanasak Patimapakorn, he said.
The army’s activities took place prior to the time the anti-government protestors led by former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban and former Democrat Party legislators planned to occupy the capital city on January 13.
The protestors intended to occupy major Bangkok intersections, cut off power and water supplies at government premises as well as the residences of the cabinet ministers, and paralyse road traffic, especially in the downtown area.-VNA
The rumours came after the military moved troops, tanks and combat gear to the capital Bangkok from its northern outskirts.
First Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Varah Boonyasit said that ten battalions of troops, tanks, army vehicles and ammunition were being transported to the headquarters of the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bangkok to prepare for a parade inside the barracks scheduled for January 18, Thai Armed Forces Day.
The troops and tanks preparing to join in the annual parade come from the Second Infantry Division in Prachinburi province, the 31st Infantry Regiment in Lopburi province, the 21st Infantry Regiment in Chonburi province and the Cavalry Centre in Saraburi province, according to Varah.
"Such activities are not preparations for a military coup as groundlessly rumoured. Members of the public need not fear," Varah said.
Rehearsals are being conducted in the compound of the 11th Infantry Regiment, he added.
Foreign military attachés in Bangkok will be invited to attend the parade with the attendance of Thai Army Chief General Prayudh and Supreme Commander General Tanasak Patimapakorn, he said.
The army’s activities took place prior to the time the anti-government protestors led by former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban and former Democrat Party legislators planned to occupy the capital city on January 13.
The protestors intended to occupy major Bangkok intersections, cut off power and water supplies at government premises as well as the residences of the cabinet ministers, and paralyse road traffic, especially in the downtown area.-VNA
