Army Chief comments on Thaksin-Yingluck appearance

BANGKOK, Feb 19 (TNA) -- The Army Chief said that he was not certain if the appearance of Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck in one of Thailand's neighbours was politically linked. Responding to questions from the media over the appearance of the Shinawatra siblings, the Army Chief Gen Chalermchai Sitthisart stated that he had no knowledge of the details in matter and refused to make any assumptions. However, he said that the failure to bring either of the Shinwatras to face justice did not discredit the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Gen Chalermchai went on to say that Thai officials cannot just go out and arrest anyone as there were diplomatic channels and protocol to be observed. These queries were raised no doubt by the coincidence of his official visit to Singapore which happens to be at the same time that Thaksin Shinawatra would be there. The general however told reporters that he was there on an official basis and is working visit and asked the media not to make any unfounded assumptions. (END)