Extension Of Interim Government's Tenure Not Needed, Says Military Leader

[Jai Dee]

Extension of interim government's tenure not needed, says military leader

BANGKOK, Oct 19 (TNA) - Thai Armed Forces Supreme Commander Boonsang Niempradit on Thursday dismissed as "personal opinion" a suggestion that the military-backed interim government might cling on to power longer than the announced one year term of office.

He said that the Council for National Security (CNS), as an 'advisor' to the interim government, intends to stay in power as briefly as possible, as there is no need to prolong its authority.

The supreme commander commented in response to a report in which Prime Minister's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan was quoted as saying the government might have to stay in office for 17 months, five months longer than originally announced, due to the lengthy process of drafting a constitution and holding a general election.

"We (the military) want it to come to an end quickly because we don't get anything (from staying in power) and we already have our work to do, " Gen. Boonsang said.

Nevertheless, he said there could be possible that a certain necessity would require the CNS and the interim government to remain in power for a longer period, but it would not be for long.

Source: TNA - 19 October 2006