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Thai king backs coup leadership Thai king backs coup leadership
(about 3 hours later)
The leaders of Thailand's military coup have been given formal royal approval, in a special televised ceremony.The leaders of Thailand's military coup have been given formal royal approval, in a special televised ceremony.
An army officer read out a royal decree of assent, before coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin knelt before a portrait of the king.An army officer read out a royal decree of assent, before coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin knelt before a portrait of the king.
The footage confirms the coup leaders' claims two days ago that the king had endorsed their new military regime.The footage confirms the coup leaders' claims two days ago that the king had endorsed their new military regime.
Analysts say that royal endorsement will provide crucial legitimacy for the coup's leaders. In Bangkok, dozens of pro-democracy activists held the first protest rally since Tuesday's coup.
So far there has been no violence as a result of the sudden military take-over, and correspondents say this is largely because the highly revered king has not come out against it. The gathering, outside a shoping centre in central Bangkok, was illegal under martial law, and police said they were still deciding how to respond.
Human rights concernsHuman rights concerns
Meanwhile the new leadership is consolidating its grip on power, banning all political meetings and assuming legislative duties in the absence of a parliament. The new leadership is consolidating its grip on power, banning all political meetings and assuming legislative duties in the absence of a parliament.
It is also blocking broadcasts it deems harmful, and has threatened to shut down media that violate the new restrictions.It is also blocking broadcasts it deems harmful, and has threatened to shut down media that violate the new restrictions.
The country has to move forward and the best way forward is for the coup leaders to quickly return power to the people and carry out reforms they promised Abhisit VejjajivaOpposition leader 'Deserved rest' for Thaksin Regional press worried Amnesty International has expressed concern, and called on Thailand's new leaders to safeguard human rights.The country has to move forward and the best way forward is for the coup leaders to quickly return power to the people and carry out reforms they promised Abhisit VejjajivaOpposition leader 'Deserved rest' for Thaksin Regional press worried Amnesty International has expressed concern, and called on Thailand's new leaders to safeguard human rights.
"No one should be penalised for their peaceful exercise of the rights of freedom of expression, association or assembly," the pressure group told the French news agency AFP."No one should be penalised for their peaceful exercise of the rights of freedom of expression, association or assembly," the pressure group told the French news agency AFP.
The military has also continued to crack down on those close to the ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.The military has also continued to crack down on those close to the ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Several pro-Thaksin police officers have been removed from their posts, and at least three ministers of the deposed government are in custody. More detentions are expected in the coming days.Several pro-Thaksin police officers have been removed from their posts, and at least three ministers of the deposed government are in custody. More detentions are expected in the coming days.
In a statement from London, where he is currently staying, Mr Thaksin appears to have accepted there is no going back to power, telling reporters that he planned a "deserved rest".In a statement from London, where he is currently staying, Mr Thaksin appears to have accepted there is no going back to power, telling reporters that he planned a "deserved rest".
But he still faces many hurdles, one of which is a probe into his sometimes controversial business dealings. The coup leaders have already formed a panel to investigate allegations of corruption against Mr Thaksin and his close aides.But he still faces many hurdles, one of which is a probe into his sometimes controversial business dealings. The coup leaders have already formed a panel to investigate allegations of corruption against Mr Thaksin and his close aides.
Possible PM candidatesPossible PM candidates
Under sharp criticism from the international community for launching the coup, the new ruling council is under pressure to move fast to appoint a civilian interim prime minister.Under sharp criticism from the international community for launching the coup, the new ruling council is under pressure to move fast to appoint a civilian interim prime minister.
BBC readers send in their coup pictures and experiencesIn pictures Gen Sonthi has said he will resign from power in two weeks, and hand over to an interim premier until new elections are held in October 2007.BBC readers send in their coup pictures and experiencesIn pictures Gen Sonthi has said he will resign from power in two weeks, and hand over to an interim premier until new elections are held in October 2007.
Among those being considered for the post are Supachai Panitchpakdi, chairman of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, and Pridiyathorn Devakula, the head of the central bank.Among those being considered for the post are Supachai Panitchpakdi, chairman of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, and Pridiyathorn Devakula, the head of the central bank.
The coup followed months of growing tension in Thailand, with protests against Mr Thaksin and a general election which was annulled due to concerns about its legitimacy.The coup followed months of growing tension in Thailand, with protests against Mr Thaksin and a general election which was annulled due to concerns about its legitimacy.
Gen Sonthi has said he was acting in line with the wishes of the Thai people, accusing the old government of corruption and fostering divisions in the country.Gen Sonthi has said he was acting in line with the wishes of the Thai people, accusing the old government of corruption and fostering divisions in the country.