Thai govt urges army to stay in barracks

Thailand's government on Thursday asked the military to stay in their barracks as rumours circulated that the army was plotting a coup amid protests, a spokesman said.

"I would like to inform all military personnel to carry out your duty as usual. Do not make any movement or be on stand-by. This is to stop the coup rumours," Nattawut Saikuar said on national radio.

Thailand has been on edge for days as thousands of anti-government demonstrators forced the ongoing closure of Bangkok's two airports.

The powerful army chief has urged Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to call new elections to end the turmoil, but he has refused.

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