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BANGKOK, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- The leader of Thailand's military government said Tuesday that the junta plans to stay on to advise a civilian prime minister.
At a news conference, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin said that leaders cannot predict whether Thailand will be secure in the near future, The New York Times reported.
"As of today the situation is calm, orderly and peaceful, but we do not know what is going to happen in the future," Sonthi said.
He would not confirm reports that Supachai Panitchpakdi, former head of the World Trade Organization, has been asked to step in as prime minister.
Sonthi did not give details on what role the military leaders would play in a civilian government. The junta originally promised to stand down in two weeks.
"If they hold on to power," said Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democratic Party, "it will be the opposite of what was announced and we hope that it will not happen."
Earlier, another member of the junta, Lt. Gen. Winai Phattiyakul, said the army overthrew the government to head off possible clashes between supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his opponents, the BBC reported. He accused Thaksin of planning to use the army against his enemies.
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