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King Endorses Coup by Thai Military

Thailand`s ageing king endorsed the military coup that ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra while he was attending the United Nations General Assembly earlier in the week. King Bhumibol Adulyadej said he also supports the general who seized power and pledged to restore civilian rule within a year. The long-reigning king met with Thai army chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, Thailand`s first Muslim in that position, before his decision was announced on television.

Thailand has had eighteen coups since the end of the Second World War. Prime Minister Thaksin, at once a popular and unpopular figure, has faced considerable opposition to his leadership for months, and rumors of a coup had been going around in the capital of Bangkok in recent weeks. In an announcement, General Sonthi referred to Thaksin as "a fellow countryman," and said he would have no problem if he returned to Thailand. However, he asserted that Thaksin would not be able to return as prime minister.

America expressed its disappointment with the coup late in the week, with White House spokesman Tony Snow statting that a free-trade agreement with Thailand would be suspended until the military restored democratic power to the people. Of the coup and its leaders, Mr. Snow said "We hope those who mounted it will make good, and make good swiftly, on their promises to restore democracy."