Coup rumors send Thailand into tizzy

<p>By Riyaz ul Khaliq </p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – A month before general elections, the military-run Thailand on Monday sought to dismiss what it termed as “rumors” of a coup d’état. </p> <p>According to Bangkok-based daily The Nation, the secretariat of the cabinet headed by Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is mulling legal action against the individuals who “falsified” a junta order removing the military's commanders in chief. </p> <p>“The fake order coincided with rumors of a possible coup d’état,” the newspaper reported. </p> <p>Deputy government spokeswoman Taksada Sangkachan warned the public “not to believe the order”. </p> <p>The “rumors” spread at a time when a royal family member accepted nomination to run for prime ministerial post in the upcoming elections. However, King Maha Vajiralongkorn termed it “inappropriate” and “unconstitutional”.</p> <p>The Buddhist-majority country is under army rule since 2014 — 12th time since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932.</p> <p>General elections in the constitutional monarchy are slated for March 24, the first time since the civilian government was toppled by Thai army in 2014. </p> <p>“Police [have been asked] to file charges against those behind the production of the order,” Sangkachan said. </p> <p>The order indicated that active post commanders of the Army, Navy and the Air Force were to be removed. </p> <p>“It also claimed the transfers were royally approved and promulgated in the Royal Gazette,” the newspaper said.</p><br>