GOVERNMENT / PRIME MINISTER'S HOSPITAL STAY

Surayud feeling good, not stressed

POST REPORTERS

Their Majesties the King and Queen yesterday sent flowers to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont who remained in Bangkok Hospital for a second day of health tests. Privy councillor Siddhi Savetsila delivered the royal bouquet.

Gen Surayud was kept in the hospital for a colonoscopy, which was recommended for the 64-year-old who suffered colon diverticula eight years ago.

His personal physician, Dr Prinya Thavichaigarn, said examinations had found Gen Surayud's heart was functioning normally and was strong.

Cambodian ambassador Ung Sean also paid a visit with a basket of flowers.

Six senior members of the Council for National Security (CNS) arrived around noon to show support for Gen Surayud, a move expected to silence speculation about a rift between him and the CNS.

After the 30-minute visit, CNS chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin told the media that Gen Surayud was feeling good and was not under stress. Gen Sonthi said politics was not discussed.

CNS spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said CNS members were confident Gen Surayud would not quit as prime minister. ''We ask the public and the media to support [Gen Surayud] because he has sacrificed himself to work for the country,'' Col Sansern said.

Asked if the CNS was satisfied with the government, the spokesman refused comment, saying it was for the public to decide.

Col Sansern also dispelled rumours of a coup to topple the Surayud government and denied CNS interference had forced Gen Surayud to consider quitting.

Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalap yesterday confirmed after a cabinet meeting that Gen Surayud would remain in office until elections in December.

Regarding a call by the People's Alliance for Democracy for Gen Surayud to resign, Mr Yongyuth said their call would be taken as a comment, not a problem.

Gen Surayud's aide, Lt-Gen Ninnat Biewkaimook, said that if the colon check-up turned out all right, Gen Surayud would probably go to Government House for his staff to offer him their best wishes for Songkran. He also plans to pay a visit to Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda and stay with his family during the long holiday, his aide said.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Wednesday April 11, 2007