Thai coup general quits position

THE general who has headed the military council which has effectively run Thailand since a bloodless coup last year has stepped down from his post.

General 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.The general is said to be close to the revered King, Bhumibol Adulyadej.Thailand’s military-installed government has promised to hold elections in December and General Sonthi’s move has prompted speculation that he is interested in becoming prime minister, correspondents say.The head of Thailand’s air force, Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk, has taken over as the new head of the military, a spokesman said.The military seized control, accusing the twice-elected Thaksin of corruption and abuse of power.Former army chief Surayud Chulanont was installed as premier.BBCGovernment 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.Thailand’s military-installed government has promised to hold elections in December and General Sonthi’s move has prompted speculation that he is interested in becoming prime minister, correspondents say.The head of Thailand’s air force, Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk, has taken over as the new head of the military, a spokesman said.The military seized control, accusing the twice-elected Thaksin of corruption and abuse of power.Former army chief Surayud Chulanont was installed as premier.BBC