Coup leader asks Thai govt to impose emergency rule

Thailand’s coup leader has asked the government to impose a state of emergency in Bangkok to prevent supporters of deposed leader Thaksin Shinawatra from staging mass rallies.

Army commander Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin has asked Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to use emergency powers to halt anti-coup protests, said Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman for Sonthi’s Council of National Security.

Sonthi installed Surayud as prime minister after the September coup.

“The Council of National Security thinks there is a need to declare emergency rule in Bangkok,” Sansern said.

Thaksin was accused of massive corruption and abuse of power, but still has many supporters.