Published: 17/04/2010
Newspaper section: News
Newspaper section: News
Army commander Anupong Paojinda has called a special meeting of senior army officers on Monday to discuss his forces' role in the current political situation, an army source said.
The planned meeting at army headquarters will be the first in more than a month since the internal security law and emergency rule went into effect.
Gen Anupong has come under fire for his perceived inaction in restoring order in the wake of the red shirt street protests. There are growing calls for his removal.
According to the source, Gen Anupong would also discuss what ''lessons'' the army learned from the clashes on April 10 that left 24 people dead and more than 800 wounded.
Gen Anupong is also expected to address the reported rift between the army and the government in the operations of the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situations (CRES), as well as coup rumours.
Expected at the meeting are deputy army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha, assistant army chief Thirawat Boonyapradab, assistant army chief Wit Thephasadin, army chief-of-staff Pirun Paewpolsong, as well as the chiefs of the four army regions and the commanders of the Special Warfare Command and Army Air Defence Command.
Meanwhile, army specialist Khattiya Sawasdipol said yesterday that any crackdown on red shirt protesters in the Ratchaprasong area would result in scores of deaths.
He said that troops would be able to access Ratchaprasong easily and protesters would be trapped.
He said that the unidentified armed gunmen, who allegedly fired at troops during the April 10 clashes, are also ''prepared'' if a crackdown is ordered.
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