The Army chief yesterday suggested a political solution was needed to bring the country out of the ongoing stalemate between the government and red-shirt protesters.
"The current situation calls for a solution through politics. There were political efforts but they were halted. The conflict must be solved that way although some people may not be satisfied," the Army chief said at the 11th Infantry Regiment.
"I think the House will be dissolved [eventually]. The timeframe depends on talks. I understand that this issue will end with House dissolution. Some people may propose a national government. I just want to see peace restored."
In his first press conference since Saturday's fatal clashes between anti-riot troops and protesters, Anupong praised his troops for refraining from firing live bullets at protesters even when they were under attack. He said that led to heavy casualties among the troops when they were attacked by heavily armed men mingling with innocent protesters.
Four soldiers, including an Army colonel, were among the 21 killed on Saturday, and troops also made up more than 200 of the 800 people injured. Many of the injuries were caused by shrapnel from grenades.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan yesterday denounced the use of heavy weapons by armed men mingling with the protesters.
He said the use of assault rifles and grenades was beyond the military's expectation, and aimed at prompting soldiers to fire at the protesters and cause hatred between both sides. He said the attacks by mysterious armed men caused several deaths and injuries among the troops and protesters.
Prawit, who is also deputy director of the government's Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation, said the authorities would take decisive actions against armed men in future operations.
Anupong, the Army chief, said the attack on Saturday night took place while troops were withdrawing after government and red-shirt leaders agreed to halt the bid to disperse the mob near Rajdamnoen Avenue.
Army intelligence had warned of the possibility of armed men shooting at protesters to put the blame on troops, Anupong said.
The idea of employing sharpshooters to deal with armed men was ruled out to prevent allegations they were used to shoot protesters. He said sharpshooters might be used in a future mission with cameramen recording if they were needed to deal with armed men mingling with protesters.
He said the soldiers taking part in the anti-riot operation were not issued M79 grenades and they merely fired live bullets into the air to startle protesters.
However, he said, the red mob was aware troops were ordered not to fire live bullets at them, and were not afraid when shots were fired into the air.
"Shields and batons are no match for [wooden] spears, sticks and ladders used by the protesters. If we are outnumbered, we need to use weapons. If we can't use weapons, we have to retreat."
He said the local and foreign media were allowed to record the operation on Saturday and he hardly saw any pictures of soldiers pointing guns towards protesters.
