Thai King Backs Coup Leader

Army Chief Seizes Power In Bloodless Coup; Pledges Elections In One Year

(CBS/AP)  The army commander who seized Thailand's government Wednesday in a quick, bloodless coup pledged to hold elections by October 2007 and received a ringing endorsement from the country's revered king.

"In order to create peace in the country, the king appoints Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin as head of the council of administrative reform," according to the announcement on state-run television. "All people should remain peaceful and civil servants should listen to order from Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin from now on."

Sondhi led a precision takeover overnight without firing a shot, sending soldiers and tanks to guard major intersections and surround government buildings while the popularly elected Thaksin Shinawatra, accused of corruption and undermining democratic institutions, was abroad.

Asked if there would be moves to confiscate Thaksin's vast assets, Sondhi said at a news conference that "those who have committed wrongdoings have to be prosecuted according to the law."

Sondhi did not elaborate. But an announcement later on state-run television said the newly formed Council of Administrative Reform had sacked the state audit commissioners and given additional powers to Auditor General Jaruvan Maintaka to investigative government corruption, which could lead to the confiscation of Thaksin's assets.

A British government spokesman said Thaksin was en route to Britain, where he has a residence in London, but had no meetings scheduled with Prime Minister Tony Blair or other officials.

Sondhi said he would act as prime minister for two weeks until a new leader is found, that an interim constitution would be drafted within that time, and that Thailand's foreign policy and international agreements will not change.

Thailand will hold a general election in October 2007, he said.

Thaksin took office in 2001, but his term has caused a tempest of controversy in the country amid charges of corruption, reports CBS News correspondent Charlie D'Agata.

On Monday he said he would consider stepping down as prime minister, but the heavily armed opposition has helped make that decision for him.

Most residents and tourists in Bangkok, a city of more than 10 million, were calm and unfazed Wednesday after the country's first coup in 15 years.

About 500 people gathered outside army headquarters Wednesday afternoon lending moral support to the military and chanting "Thaksin Get Out!"

The newly created Council of Administrative Reform put Thailand under martial law and declared a provisional authority loyal to the king, seizing television and radio stations and ordering government offices, banks, schools and the stock market to close for the day.

Nearly 20 tanks — their gun barrels festooned with ribbons in the monarch's color, yellow — had blocked off the Royal Palace, Royal Plaza, army headquarters and Thaksin's office at Government House.

Tanks began shifting from their downtown Bangkok positions Wednesday evening, but it was unclear if they were withdrawing. Military public relations officials said they could not immediately comment.

The overthrow was needed "to resolve the conflict and bring back normalcy and harmony among people," Sondhi said on nationwide TV.