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LequteMan
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Thai army on Monday dismissed rumours of an imminent military coup to overthrow caretaker government, given unusual movement of troops, tanks and combat gear on the northern outskirts of Bangkok.
First Infantry Division Commander, Maj.- Gen. Varah Boonyasit, said that the transportation of a dozen of battalions of troops, tanks, army vehicles and ammunition to the headquarters of the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bangkok was to prepare for a parade for January 18, the Thai Armed Forces Day.
"This year's parade will feature army vehicles in addition to the troops," he said, adding that "military attaches from varied embassies have been invited to view the ceremony which will be held in honour of Army Chief, Gen. Prayudh Chan-ocha and Supreme Commander, Gen. Tanasak Patimapakorn, who will retire at the end of September 2014."
"Such activity is no preparations for a military coup as groundlessly rumoured. Members of the public need not fear," Varah said.
He explained that rehearsals were being conducted in the compound of the 11th Infantry Regiment until Friday.
The caretaker government, Headed by the Premier, Yingluck Shinawatra, is yet to cope with a planned "Bangkok shutdown" by anti- government protesters led by former Deputy Premier, Suthep Thaugsuban and former Democrat Party legislators which was slated for Jan. 13.
A fresh military coup has been largely feared either to prelude or follow the anticipated political unrest.
First Infantry Division Commander, Maj.- Gen. Varah Boonyasit, said that the transportation of a dozen of battalions of troops, tanks, army vehicles and ammunition to the headquarters of the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bangkok was to prepare for a parade for January 18, the Thai Armed Forces Day.
"This year's parade will feature army vehicles in addition to the troops," he said, adding that "military attaches from varied embassies have been invited to view the ceremony which will be held in honour of Army Chief, Gen. Prayudh Chan-ocha and Supreme Commander, Gen. Tanasak Patimapakorn, who will retire at the end of September 2014."
"Such activity is no preparations for a military coup as groundlessly rumoured. Members of the public need not fear," Varah said.
He explained that rehearsals were being conducted in the compound of the 11th Infantry Regiment until Friday.
The caretaker government, Headed by the Premier, Yingluck Shinawatra, is yet to cope with a planned "Bangkok shutdown" by anti- government protesters led by former Deputy Premier, Suthep Thaugsuban and former Democrat Party legislators which was slated for Jan. 13.
A fresh military coup has been largely feared either to prelude or follow the anticipated political unrest.
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