Thai junta purges Thaksin's ousted Government

THAILAND: Thailand's junta forged ahead Friday with a purge of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's government, detaining or sacking key aides and stepping up a probe into corruption allegations against his family.

As Thaksin, in refuge in London, appeared to accept his fate by saying he was taking a "rest" from politics, Bangkok's military leaders tightened their hold on power, although they have vowed to restore civilian rule "as soon as possible" and hold elections in a year's time.

In statements read on public television late Thursday, they said they had installed the army security chief as the new head of national intelligence and sacked three other top officials considered loyal to Thaksin.

Four other senior allies, including his top deputy and two ministers, were "under the care" of the new regime led by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin.

Sonthi and his council of generals said the auditor general's office would remain open, allowing her to conclude a probe into corruption charges against the toppled billionaire.

In London, where he has a home and where his daughter is studying, Thaksin indicated that he accepted his five years as premier were over.

"Event(s) in Thailand during the last two days should not detract from my main aim of national reconciliation," a statement issued by his aides said.

It urged the new regime to quickly arrange a new general election, adding: "Dr Thaksin as of now will take a deserved rest."

Asked what his plans were, Thaksin replied simply: "Stay with my daughter, that's it."

Sonthi has said he hopes for new elections in October 2007 and pledged to resign from power in two weeks and hand over to an interim premier.

Among those reportedly considered for the post are Supachai Panitchpakdi, former head of the World Trade Organization and chairman of the UN Conference on Trade and Development.

Other names include the president of the Supreme Court, one of the king's top advisers, and the governor of the Bank of Thailand.

So far the junta has imposed martial law, banned political activities and public gatherings, annulled the constitution and slapped restrictions on the media. It has also assumed legislative powers after dismissing parliament.

Meanwhile Thailand's new military rulers will set up a committee to investigate the assets of Thaksin Shinawatra and 15 members of his cabinet, the Nation newspaper reported on Friday.

It said two judges and a former central bank chief were likely to be on the six-person panel to probe Thaksin, his wife and other relatives as well as political colleagues.

The newspaper quoted sources at the military council which toppled Thaksin in a coup on Tuesday as saying trials could follow if the panel turned up any evidence of corruption.

The military cited "rampant corruption" for its move against the government while Thaksin was in New York attending the United Nations General Assembly.

Bangkok, Friday, AFP, Reuters