Coup d'etat could not solve the tension : Army chief

He reiterated that the army will not get involved in the matter and it is confident that police can handle the situations.

"We are sure that police can handle the situation, but we do not want to see any violence happened to unarmed protesters,' he said.

It is true that the army is worried about what has happening in the country but the army can get involve only at the order of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

Anupong said he already conveyed a message to Police Commissioner Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan that police should not use severe measures on the protesters.

The army is monitoring the situation closely.

He was speaking after meeting with Samak.

Prime Minister Samak chairs an urgent meeting with army top brass on Friday afternoon amid rising political tension after police clashed with anti-government protesters.

Samak who is also defence minister rushed to the meeting which started at 2pm the Defence Council.

Army chief Gen Anupong arrived at the meeting with a grim face. He declined to answer press questions.

Supreme Commander Gen Boonsrang Niempradit told reporters that the military has just monitored the situation.

"We will not get involved in the situation. We believe that police can handle the situation," he said.

Navy Commander in Chief Admiral Sathirapan Keyanon said he did not worry about the situation. The prime minister will be in charge of making decision.