NCPO not yet appoints interim Thai PM, Cabinet

BANGKOK, May 29 (TNA) - The army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has not yet appointed an interim Thai prime minister or an interim Cabinet. Royal Thai Army Deputy Spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree told journalists of the update on Thursday, reasoning that the coup council needs to restore national peace, solve people's hardships and establish reconciliation centers first. Colonel Winthai also warned anti-coup demonstrators at the Victory Monument in Bangkok that they were violating law by rallying, damaging public property and physically attacking officers, the offences of which would face decisive legal actions, as the NCPO now bans demonstrations that incite unrest. According to the deputy spokesman, the NCPO also bans financial transactions of those who ignore its summons and it is hunting for them, including those who have fled the country. Meanwhile, NCPO has gradually released more detained persons, including former ministers and key figures of the Pheu Thai Party. Among those released on Thursday include former acting caretaker prime minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, former deputy prime minister and foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, former deputy prime minister Plodprasop Suraswadi, former secretary-general to the prime minister's office Suranand Vejjajiva, as well as Pheu Thai Party key figures, namely Dr. Prommin Lertsureedet, Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, Phumtham Wechayachai, Pokin Polakul and Sitha Tiwaree. Sondhi Limthongkul, former leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), was also released. The NCPO has opened the Thai Army auditorium in Bangkok's Thewes area to receive persons whom it additionally summoned. (TNA)