Army chief takes over after UDD arrests fail
Published: 17/04/2010
Newspaper section: News
Army chief Anupong Paojinda will replace Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban as head of the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situations, after yesterday's botched attempt to arrest red shirt leaders at a city hotel.
Mr Suthep loses his job as punishment, but the military could take a dim view of the government's move to replace him with the army chief, who has been reluctant to use force against the red shirt protesters.Some observers believe the change of guard at the security centre could widen rifts between the government and the army.
An army source said the government's move was intended to ''force'' Gen Anupong to take tough action against the red shirts.Mr Suthep lost his job as head of the CRES following the failed attempt to arrest red shirt leaders at a city hotel.
Red shirt leader Arisman Pongruangrong staged a dramatic escape by scaling down the side of the hotel, while several co-leaders left with little or no resistance by police sent there to arrest them.
Mr Suthep's removal came hours after speculation about what Mr Abhisit would do after hundreds of police watched helplessly as the core UDD leaders fled.In a televised address last night, Mr Abhisit said Gen Anupong would replace Mr Suthep as chief of CRES and take charge of operations to suppress and prevent acts of terrorism.
Mr Abhisit briefly mentioned the failed mission by police, but was steadfast that the government would continue its attempts to enforce the laws.It was Mr Abhisit's first public appearance in three days. He was originally scheduled to address the country about 4pm, but delayed the broadcast.
Gen Anupong has showed reluctance to disperse the red shirt demonstrators, repeatedly maintaining that the political crisis should be solved by political means.
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