No coup under my leadership, says Thailand's new army chief

Thailand's new army chief has allayed any fear of a coup under his leadership, saying that any government that ruled with integrity was unlikely to be overthrown by the military.

Gen Chalermchai Sittisart, who officially assumed his powerful post yesterday, said that with integrity in the government the "coup-makers" would have no reason to justify their action.

"I am a professional soldier and I follow orders from my superiors. I can confirm that there will be no coup, so there should be no concern about me," he was quoted by the The Nation newspaper here, today.

"I want you to forget about any possible coup by the Army under my helm. Do not ask me again about this. I won't answer again," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

Thailand's coups in 2006 and two years ago, which installed the current government had gained the people's overwhelming support, which hepled avert political violence, Chalermchai said.

Successful coups in the past have been led by Army's top generals including the latest one in May 2014 by then Army Chief Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, who subsequently became the country's Prime Minister.

Meanwhile another Thai English daily, Bangkok Post, today also quoted a pledge made by First Army Commander Lt Gen Apirat Kongsompong to prevent any coups while maintaining peace and order.

"My mission is to protect the monarchy with my life and I will strictly follow the instructions of the prime minister, defence minister and army chief and support the government," he said.

The First Army is known as a strategic key unit within the Thai Army as its troops are stationed in 26 provinces including in the capital city, Bangkok.

According to the newspaper, the consent of the First Army Commander is needed if the Army wanted to stage a coup. -Bernama