BANGKOK, April 9 (UPI) -- Thailand's prime minister was hospitalized Monday amid growing rumors that he will soon resign.
Surayud Chulanont will be in hospital until Thursday for a complete health checkup, his doctor said. While doctors at Bangkok Hospital said there were no signs of significant health issues, the 63-year-old premier had abruptly canceled his plans for Monday and checked into the hospital.
The government has denied rumors that Surayud will be resigning any time soon, but the latest incident has done little to subdue speculations that the military-appointed head will be stepping down.
A military coup last September ousted the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, and Surayud was appointed to take his place by the military leaders who overthrew Thaksin. In recent months, however, the new regime has been facing increasing criticism for not drafting a constitution on time and growing concerns that an election will not be held by the end of the year.
