Military leaders resolve coup not a solution

He said the military shared common ground that they would stick with the three principles in helping address the current political crisis.

Reiterating that the military will not stage a coup as it would not resolve the country's  political problem, Anupong said the meeting by the military top brass agreed that the military would protect "three pillars" of the country -- nation, religion and the royal institution-- prevent clashes and to use the country's laws in solving the problem.

He was speaking after a meeting of armed forces commanders, military chief and the permanent secretary for defence in which they discussed the political unrest caused by the ongoing rally by the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Although the military commanders are optimistic that the rally by the PAD will be peaceful, Anupong said the army has joined forces with the police, navy and air force to monitor areas where the protesters gather and to prevent the pro-government group from clashing with the PAD.

He said the police had given assurances that they would not use force against the PAD protesters, now occupying Government House and the temporary offices at Don Mueang airport.

Somchai is scheduled to arrive home Wednesday after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the Peruvian capital of Lima.

However, his aircraft experienced a technical glitch that delayed his departure from Peru.