3 Thai Coup Chiefs Flee to Singapore, Ask U.S. Asylum
Three leaders of Monday’s abortive coup attempt in Thailand have fled to Singapore and asked for political asylum in the United States, the State Department said today.
Department spokesman Bernard Kalb said the Reagan Administration is reviewing their applications but added that he could not predict the outcome of the request.
Kalb said he could not identify the three but Thailand’s deputy defense minister, Paniang Kantarap, told reporters in Bangkok that two coup leaders who flew to Singapore late Monday were Col. Manoon Roopkachorn, a former battalion commander involved in an abortive 1981 coup, and his brother, Manas Roopkachorn, head of the air force’s security force.
Monday’s insurrection was put down by pro-government forces after almost 10 hours of fighting that left four dead and 59 wounded.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
