Bangkok - Breaking News - Army releases Thaksin ministers

Three former ministers and the secretary general to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who were detained shortly after the bloodless coup d'etat launched by the military on September 19 were released Sunday morning, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, leader of the Council for National Security and army chief announced Sunday.

Released were Pol. Gen. Chidchai Vanasatidya, former deputy prime minister and justice minister, Newin Chidchob, ex-minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, Yongyut Tiyapairat, former natural resources and environment minister, and former secretary general to the Prime Minister's Office Prommin Lertsuridej.

Gen. Sonthi told journalists that the four men were set free Sunday morning and it was now up to police to monitor their activities.

After his release, Gen. Chidchai returned to his residence in suburban Bangkok's neighbouring Nonthaburi province immediately and told journalists who followed him to depart. He refused to give an interview. (TNA)

Reference by Bangkok post.