Thai deputy PM dies of suspected heart problem

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa died Monday of a suspected heart problem, at the age of 72, his party said.

Chumpol, the leader of the Chart Thai Pattana Party -- a member of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's ruling coalition -- was admitted to the hospital due to "breathing problems" on December 17, 2012.

"We received news that he passed away this morning," Chart Thai Pattana's spokesman Vachara Kannikar said.

"We don't know the cause of death yet but I think it could be linked to his heart problem."

He was one of several deputy premiers who served under Yingluck.