Coup Rumors Send Thailand İnto Tizzy

A month before general elections, the military-run Thailand on Monday sought to dismiss what it termed as "rumors" of a coup d'état.



According to Bangkok-based daily The Nation, the secretariat of the cabinet headed by Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is mulling legal action against the individuals who "falsified" a junta order removing the military's commanders in chief.



"The fake order coincided with rumors of a possible coup d'état," the newspaper reported.



Deputy government spokeswoman Taksada Sangkachan warned the public "not to believe the order".



The "rumors" spread at a time when a royal family member accepted nomination to run for prime ministerial post in the upcoming elections. However, King Maha Vajiralongkorn termed it "inappropriate" and "unconstitutional".



The Buddhist-majority country is under army rule since 2014 -- 12th time since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932.



General elections in the constitutional monarchy are slated for March 24, the first time since the civilian government was toppled by Thai army in 2014.



"Police [have been asked] to file charges against those behind the production of the order," Sangkachan said.



The order indicated that active post commanders of the Army, Navy and the Air Force were to be removed.



"It also claimed the transfers were royally approved and promulgated in the Royal Gazette," the newspaper said. -