COUP IN SIAM

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 27, 12 November 1947, Page 5

COUP IN SIAM

Reports of Fighting DELAYED DISPATCHES RECEIVED (N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright). (Rec. 10.50) SINGAPORE, Nov. 11. Fighting broke out yesterday morning between Siamese regular armed forces and “People’s Resistance forces,” reports Reuter’s Bangkok correspondent in a batch of dispatches received from Singapore after nine hours’ delay. Pridi Panomyoung, Avartime resistance leader, has taken refuge at the naAml cadet school across the river opposite Bangkok. The Siamese army apparently is not supporting the coup. Lieutenant-General Phin Chunhawan, supreme commander, and the Bangkok area military ' commander, announcing the fighting to the press, did not reveal the location or strength of the forces involved, or the outcome. It is understood that orders have been flashed to garrisons throughout the country to be ready to march Avithin 24 hours.

The military spokesman in Bangkok denied rumours that clashes occurred in any army stations. The military command public relations officer told the press that all military units throughout the country Avere co-operating with the command. Flying-boat passengers who arrived in Singapore from Bangkok yesterday forecast that Pridi Panomyoung, the avowed enemy of the wartime collaborationist Phioun, might mobilise resistance forces. They declared that the navy was not supporting the coup, that most of the air force was undecided and that only army units at Bangkok were definitely supporting Phibun. The public relations officer in Bangkok revealed that Phibun yesterday received the British, Chinese and American ambassadors and claimed that the talks were “cordial.” The acting Foreign Minister, Bisut Virajatej, announced that instructions had been forwarded to all Siamese diplomats abroad to egrry on as usual. The deposed Premier, Thamrong Nawasat, after interviewing the military com'mand on November 10, was allOAved to proceed to his home toAvn Avith his family, and is at present free. All his Ministers are reported to be free except tAvo for Avhom arrest Avarrants are reported to have been issued.