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Published on March 31, 2008

Army Commander-in-Chief General Anupong Paochinda yesterday reiterated that no coup would take place while he is at the helm of the Army.

He said he had talked to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to prevent any misunderstanding and he had affirmed to the premier that he would ensure no coup would be staged.

The Army chief also promised he would hold himself responsible for any move deemed inappropriate.

Speaking to reporters before accompanying Samak on a trip to Laos yesterday, Anupong said he would like society to rest assured that the Army would not move its personnel now except for routine exercises.

For the routine exercises, the Office of the Army Secretary would inform the public through the army-owned Channel 5 and through provincial governors to prevent confusion, he said.

When asked whether he would verify growing speculation about a coup, Anupong replied: "We don't have to check the coup speculation because I am confident that there will be no coup.

"I affirmed to the prime minister a moment ago [that there would be no coup]. There is no need to check the speculation because if anything happens, I'll be responsible."

He said he could do nothing about the rumours but it would be the responsibility of the media not to play up the rumours.

When asked if he would rule out a coup while he was at the helm of the Army, Anupong replied: "Yes".

But he said it was the responsibility of the police to monitor rumour-mongers who wanted to create a situation to disturb the peace and order.

The Army chief said he had explained everything to the prime minister so he was not under any pressure.

"I have no ulterior motive so I am not worried. I have no intention to create a situation or any misunderstanding so I don't feel any pressure," Anupong said.

Samak yesterday denied that he was the one who triggered speculation about another coup and vowed to say "I know nothing" if the media asked him for comments on coup rumours.

He said he talked about the coup plot against his government because he was responding to questions from a reporter.

He said the media always tried to find fault with him and always laid traps for him to fall into with their questions.

"From now on, when reporters ask me the question, I'll say 'I know nothing'," Samak said.

But last week, he revealed he had received a hand-written note warning of a possible coup to overthrow his government.

He said the note, which has now been classified, was inserted into a pile of reports sent to him as part of the agenda for next Tuesday's weekly Cabinet meeting.

Democrat Party spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon yesterday demanded Samak name those who he thought were planning to stage a coup.

Ong-art alleged Samak had talked about the coup plot for political self-interest.

He said Samak had damaged investor confidence by talking about the coup .

"Making up the coup story did not bode well for the country because it affected the confidence o f both Thai and foreign investors and caused the public to panic," Ong-art said.

The Nation