The powerful Thai generals behind Suthep’s protest movement

December 15, 2013 Leave a comment

The powerful Thai generals behind Suthep’s protest movement

Published on Dec 14, 2013
12:14 AM

BANGKOK (REUTERS) – His whistle-tooting crowds of supporters are dwindling. His threats against Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra veer from the bold to the bizarre. But behind Thailand’s fiery anti-government protest leader, Mr Suthep Thaugsuban, are two powerful retired generals with palace connections, a deep rivalry with the Shinawatra family and an ability to influence Thailand’s coup-prone armed forces. The forces behind Mr Suthep are led by former defence minister General Prawit Wongsuwan and former army chief General Anupong Paochinda, towering figures in Thailand’s military establishment, said two military sources with direct knowledge of the matter and a third with connections to Thai generals. A glimpse into Mr Suthep’s connections sheds light on how he could prevail in a seemingly improbable bid to oust a leader who won a 2011 election by a landslide and impose rule by an unelected “People’s Council” of appointed “good people”, even as his street rallies start to flag.

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