Ousted Thai PM Seeks Privacy in London After Bangkok Coup

Deposed Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in London on Wednesday after a military coup removed him from power while he was in New York for the UN General Assembly. The bloodless takeover was led by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin.

Thaksin has been staying at a London apartment and said little to waiting journalists, indicating his focus was on spending time with his daughter Pinthongta. The two were spotted together near the Dorchester Hotel.

In a written statement, the former prime minister said he was stepping away from politics for a rest and urged Thailand to hold elections soon and pursue national reconciliation.

British authorities clarified that Thaksin is in the country on a personal basis, with a Foreign Office spokesman confirming the visit "is not in an official capacity." The United Kingdom has a long record of sheltering political exiles.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in September 2006, in its own words.