Thai Generals back elected Government

Thailand’s top generals backed the new elected Government Wednesday, with the one-time coup leader saying he still “loves” ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, whose allies are again in power.

General Sonthi Boonyaratglin toppled Thaksin’s government in September 2006, accusing the billionaire of widespread corruption and of disloyalty to the king, which is a serious offence here.

Since the coup, Thaksin has lived in self-imposed exile in Britain as the military opened a slate of corruption investigations against him. But Thaksin’s allies staged a dramatic comeback in elections last month, and his political ally Samak Sundaravej on Tuesday became the country’s new prime minister.

Sonthi told reporters that he had spoken to Thaksin twice by phone this month, but added that they had not discussed his possible return to Thailand. “The calls were arranged by people who are concerned over the country’s situation,” he told reporters after returning from a trip to the Middle East.

“Our talks were straightforward and frank, but I did not discuss his return to Thailand and neither of us made any concessions,” Sonthi said. “We still love each other and our brotherhood remains intact.”

Sonthi and Thaksin attended the same military preparatory school, but at different times. Bonds from military school play an important part in Thai political alliances.

The remarks were a sharp turnaround for Sonthi, who in the wake of the coup implied that he feared for his life while serving as army chief under Thaksin.

“I would like to offer support for the new government and want everyone, including the opposition, to support the Government,” he said.

Bangkok,Wednesday, AFP