Thaksin

BANGKOK (Reuters):

The Thai army seized power yesterday without firing a shot, dismissed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's government, revoked the constitution and promised a swift return to democracy after political reforms.

Army commander-in-chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin took the reins of power without a government title after Thaksin telephoned a Thai television station from New York to announce a state of emergency in an apparent attempt to head off the coup.

A government spokesman with him said the army could not succeed and "we're in control", but Thaksin cancelled the speech he was to give to the U.N. General Assembly later in the day and it was not clear when he would return to Thailand.

Tanks and troops took over Government House in Thailand's first coup in 15 years — its 18th since it became a constitutional monarchy in 1932 — and a coup spokesman said the army and police were in firm control.

Soon afterwards, the heads of the armed forces went to the palace to report to revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej in a motorcade broadcast on television, a move likely to dampen any agitation in the countryside where Thaksin's support is strong.

Television also showed documentaries of the king in the countryside, promoting his development projects which have added to the reverence in which he is held.

That was designed to reinforce the military's insistence it was acting for the good of the country which he embodies.

Armoured vehicles and soldiers took up position on many street corners, but life in most of Bangkok continued much as usual with traffic moving through rain-drenched streets and the airport operating normally.