Defence Ministry spokesman Gen Kongcheep Tantravanich has brushed off rumours of a coup ahead of the general election planned for next year.
“There are no factors that would lead to a coup,” he said after a Defence Council meeting chaired by suspended Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who also serves as defence minister.
The rumour mill went into overdrive with suggestions of a coup after Digital Economy and Society Ministry Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn warned that an election might not take place if demonstrations are held and unrest breaks out tomorrow when the Constitutional Court hands down its ruling on Gen Prayut’s eight-year term as prime minister.
His remarks prompted protest leaders and opposition politicians to accuse the government of trying to cling to power.
Mr Chaiwut said yesterday he did not want to see a repeat of the 2013-2014 protests led by the defunct People’s Democratic Reform Committee against the Pheu Thai government, which culminated in the May 2014 coup.
“I am not threatening, just warning. If you don’t want the country plunged into chaos, don’t come out in protest too often,” he said.