AP: Thai Rulers May Not Withdraw From Politics

[Eugene]

Thai Rulers May Not Withdraw From Politics

By SUTIN WANNABOVORN
The Associated Press
Tuesday, September 26, 2006; 5:25 AM

BANGKOK, Thailand -- Thailand's military rulers said Tuesday that they had
written a temporary constitution appointing themselves advisers to any
interim government, and hinted they might replace ousted premier Thaksin
Shinawatra with an ex-military man.

The comments by coup leader Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin gave the first indication
that military rulers who seized power a week ago do not plan to withdraw entirely
from the political process _ a prospect that critics condemned as another blow
to democracy.

Sondhi told reporters the draft constitution will be reviewed by academics and
submitted to the king for a royal endorsement by Sunday, at which point a new
leader can be named.

The ruling military council hopes to install a new civilian prime minister "as soon
as possible," but is still narrowing down its candidates for the job, Sondhi said.
He did not rule out a former soldier for the temporary role.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/26/AR2006092600227.html

[Eugene]

1. AP: Thai Civilians Chosen to Be Advisers

Thai Civilians Chosen to Be Advisers


Tuesday September 26, 2006 1:01 PM

AP Photo EKW106

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Thailand's military council on Tuesday named dozens
of prominent civilians to serve as its advisers, but several of those named
denied any knowledge of the appointments.

The council announced on television that it was appointing businessmen, civil
servants, academics and other prominent figures to advisory committees on
matters including the economy, foreign affairs, ethics and governance, and
reconciliation.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6106200,00.html