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[Garcia]

"The military says it's fully behind PM Samak Sundaravej, as tens of thousands of protesters surround Government House.

Supreme Commander General Boonsrang Niumpradit says the military will not become involved in the current political crisis, pointing out that countries like South Korea and Japan have "moved way ahead" of Thailand because their soldiers stay clear of politics.

"I shouldn't make remarks on politics, as it will only cause confusion," he says. He does, however, say the PAD has a right to protest within the law. He hopes the demonstrations remain peaceful.

Boonsrang adds that the military will be deployed only by Cabinet order. "It doesn't mean things will become better if the military is deployed. The police can handle it. To deploy the military doesn't develop democracy. Leaders [of both sides] ought to be able to talk."

Army chief General Anupong Paochinda says the military is behind the PM and hopes Samak continues to lead. He says the Army will not interfere and there will be no troop movements, adding that there's no need for a state of emergency."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/06/22...es_30076137.php