Chief of Thai Army Ousted; Coup Rumored

Thailand’s civilian prime minister today dismissed the commander of the politically powerful army, sparking rumors of an imminent coup.

Gen. Arthit Kamlang-ek, 60, defused the tension, however, when he said he accepted the order and pledged loyalty to King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

No official reason was given for his dismissal by Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda. But diplomats said it was one of the most daring acts ever taken by a civilian prime minister against an army commander.

Arthit’s acquiescence followed a meeting with his successor, Gen. Chaovalit Yongchaiyut, 54.

Expression of Respect

Chaovalit bowed deeply in a traditional expression of respect and a smiling Arthit later told reporters: “No problem. We’ll be working together.”

Coup rumors swept Bangkok after Prem’s office announced the dismissal and armored units moved through the capital, but army officers described their movements as routine.

The officers and diplomats said everything appeared normal following Prem’s shake-up, which also involved Chuthai Saengthaveep, an Arthit confidant who was deputy army commander. He was shuffled off to an inactive post.

Foreign diplomats said they believed the prime minister acted on evidence that Arthit was linked to an alleged conspiracy of big business and political interests that brought down Prem’s four-party government when a revolt in the coalition lost him a parliamentary vote on May 1.

Conspiracy Concerns

They said Prem and army loyalists--estimated to make up 70% of the officer corps--also were concerned that the alleged conspiracy threatened to subvert the July 27 general elections.

They traced the break between Prem and Arthit to 1982, when the general and parts of the military tried to amend the constitution to give the appointed, military-packed Senate lawmaking roles equal to the elected lower house.