FIGHTING IN SIAM

Chronicle (Levin), 12 November 1947, Page 5

FIGHTING IN SIAM

(N.Z.P.A.-

— Reuter,

Clashes Follow Quisling's Coup

Covvright)

Received Wednesday, 10.50 a.m. . . . SINGAPORE, Nov. 11. • Fighting broke out yesterday ' morning between Siamese regulap L armed forces and the "People's ' Resistance Forces," reports Reu- • ter's Bangkok; correspondent in a ; bateh of despatches received at : Singapore after a nine- hours' delay. M. Pridi Panomyoung, war^time resistance leader, has taken refuge at a naval cadet schooi ; across the river opposite Bangkok, 1 and the Siamese Arrqy is apparently not supporting the coup. 1 Lieut.-General Phin Chunhawan, supyeme eommander and Bangkok area rnilitary eommander, in. announcing the fighting to the Fress, did not reveal the location of strength of the forces involved, or the outcome. It is understood that orders were flashed to the garrisons throughout the country to be ready to march within 24 hours. A military- spokesman in Bangkok denied rumours that clashes occurred in any army stations. A military camtnand public relations officer told the Press that all military units throughout the country were co-operating with the command. Flying boat passengers who arrived at Singapore from Bangkok yesterday forecast that M. Pridi Panomyoung, the avowed •enemy of the wartime collaborationist, M, Phioun, might mobilise resistance forces. They declared that the navy was not supporting the coup, most of the air force was undecided and only the army units at Bangkok were definitely supporting Field Marshal Phibun Song Gram. A publjo relations officer in Bangkok revealed that Field Marshal Phibun Song Gram yesterday received the British, Chinese and Ameriean Ambassadors, and claimed that the talks were "cordial." The Acting Foreign Minister, M. Bisut Virajatej, announced that instructions had Ueen forwarded to all Siamese diplomats abroad ro carry on as usual. The deposed Premier, M. Tham Rong Nawa Suwat, after interviewing by the rnilitary command on November 10v was allowed to proceed to his horne town * with his family, and is at present free. All his Ministers are reported to be free except twq, for whom warrants of arrest are reported to have been issued.