Privy Council president Prem calls on brass to honour King's admonishment

BANGKOK, Aug 25 (TNA) -- Thailand's Privy Council president Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda called on the kingdom's armed forces and police commanding officers to remain in harmony and perform in unity at all
times.

Addressing dozens of the country's top brass--the assembled generals, admirals, marshals and senior government personnel at his Bangkok residence, Gen. Prem cited His Majesty the King's admonition that they uphold and maintain the principles of unity and harmony and devote themselves to the country and the Throne.

The former prime minister and senior statesman called on the military top brass to act as one, regardless of the country's volatile situations. In particular, Gen. Prem called on senior police officers, led by National Police Commissioner Pol. Gen. Kowit Wattana, to perform their jobs in an even-handed way on the basis of justice.

The chief privy councillor's comments made in the presence of the top police officers apparentlly related to Thursday's foiled alleged attempt to assassinate caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra by a car bomb between his home in the capital's Bang Plad district and Government House.

The high-level officials visiting Gen. Prem to extend best wishes for his 86th birthday included caretaker Defense Minister Gen. Thammarak Isarangura na Ayutthaya, Army commander in chief Gen. Sonthi
Boonyaratkalin, Navy commander in chief Adm. Sathiraphand Keyanond, Air Force commander in chief ACM Chalit Pukphasook, Permanent Secretary of Defense Gen. Sirichai Tanyasiri and Pol. Gen. Kowit.

TNA