BANGKOK, Oct 4 - The Thai authorities have detained 11 men suspected of involvement in a movement to overthrow Thailand's revered monarchy and planning the assassination of the country's key public figures, a senior police officer said on Monday.

Provincial Police Region 5 designated commander Pol Maj Gen Chaiya Siriamphankul said the 11 were arrested in a resort in Chiang Mai's Mae On district and they are well-trained in using firearms.

The detainees are linked with a movement to destroy national security and planned to kill the country's very important persons as well as overthrow the monarchy, said Gen Chaiya, adding that investigation is underway to lead to other accomplices in the northeastern and eastern regions.

The 11 are now under a witness protection scheme to reveal more information to the authorities, said Gen Chaiya.

Acting Bangkok Metropolitan Police Chief Pol Maj-Gen Chakthip Chaijinda said Monday he sent a team of investigation to Chiang Mai to assist provincial police in questioning suspects in seeking possible links with the disturbances in the capital.

Key Chiang Mai Red Shirt leader Master Sergeant Third Class Pichit Tamool on Monday however denied the 11 suspects are members of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) and that the state officials cooked up the story to cast a bad light on the Red Shirt movement.

-- TNA 2010-10-04

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