Sukumpol dismisses coup speculation

Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat Thursday dismissed the allegation about a conspiracy to topple the government involving a top Army general and a coalition MP.

"I should not be asked to comment on every rumour circulated at coffee shops," he said.

Sukumpol cast doubt on how and why red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praipana came across and spreaded such allegation.

Kwanchai alleged that Army deputy chief General Dapong Ratanasuwan had recently met with Chart Thai Pattana MP Sanan Kachornprasart to plot the government's downfall. The meeting took place at Bonanza Khao Yai resort in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Sukumpol said he was certain the Army would not try to usurp power.

The Nation