Thai CNS announces disbandment

BANGKOK, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Council for National Security (CNS) of Thailand officially announced its disbandment on Thursday morning, one day after Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and his new cabinet swore in.

At a press conference held at the Army Headquarters in Bangkok on Thursday morning, Air Chief Marshal and CNS chief Gen. Chalit Pukbhasuk reviewed the outcomes of the reforms on politics, military and economy by CNS during the after the coup period.

He said since an elected government has formed, the CNS will abide by its word and announce the disbandment.

The CNS permanent secretary Gen. Winai Phattiyakul, deputy permanent secretary Gen. Saprang Kalayanamitr, Army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda, Navy Chief Satirapan Keyanon and Supreme Commander of the Armed Force Boonsrang Niumpradit also attended the meeting.

During the press conference, the core leaders of the CNS answered most of the reporters' questions by "not reply" and smile. However, Chalit said the military would not intervene the government policies in the future.

When asked about "whether the CNS would launch the military coup which toppled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra again if time should go back", Chalit said "it is not a proper question to answer."

While Chalit was asked if he has called Thaksin to ask for forgiveness after Samak, a Thaksin supporter, took office early this month, Chalit smiled and answered that "please, I will not reply."

The CNS, formerly known as the Council for Democratic Reform, was the name of the military regime that governed the country after the 2006 coup that ousted Thaksin. After Samak, who was saida proxy of Thaksin, won the premiership in January, the CNS appeared quiet since the pro-Thaksin camp has regained the power.

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