As coups go, the one in Thailand was at least apparently completely bloodless. It also appears to be completely successful up until now. The leader of the coup says he will assume the duties of Prime Minister for only two weeks until someone els can be appointed and a temporary constitution put in place. Elections are being schedule for October.
BANGKOK, Thailand – The army commander who seized Thailand's government in a swift, bloodless coup promised Wednesday to act as prime minister for only two weeks, until a new leader "who is neutral and upholds democracy" is found and a temporary constitution is enacted.
Army chief Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin told a news conference that a general election would be held in October 2007, and he hinted that ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra could face prosecution for wrongdoing.
In the country's first coup in 15 years, Sondhi led a well-orchestrated overthrow while Thaksin was in New York at the U.N. General Assembly. Sondhi said on nationwide television that the overthrow was needed "in order to resolve the conflict and bring back normalcy and harmony among people."
"I am the one who decided to stage the coup. No one supported me," Sondhi said, referring to Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The coup has triggered some instability in Asian markets, but it is not clear whether there will be any long term effects.
