Suspected Muslim insurgents have killed nine civilians in a flurry of attacks in southern Thailand, the Thai army said today, the fifth anniversary of a bloody assault by security forces against militants at a mosque.

Thailand said today it would call in army reinforcements if necessary to assure the safety of 15 Asian heads of state in the face of mass street protests demanding the resignation of the government.t

Police arrested a Thai soldier for participating in an attack by 30 men on three British tourists as they ate at a food stall north of the Thai capital, police said today.

Eighteen months ago, tycoon-turned-politician Thaksin Shinawatra won a landslide election victory and became a rising star on the regional stage. Today, he is out of a job after a coup d’etat and considering life in exile.

THE Thai army took control of Bangkok last night without a shot being fired, dismissed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, revoked the constitution and promised a swift return to democracy — after political reforms.

Thailand is due to execute three drug offenders in front of TV cameras to deter traffickers.