Top brass reject Sect 7 step: Source

Military leaders are against an attempt by anti-government protesters to press for an interim government, a military source said on Sunday.

All armed forces commanders discussed the plan pushed by People's Democratic Reform Committee leader Suthep Thaugsuban and a group calling itself Rattha Bukkhon (State Citizens) to seek the setting up of an interim government through Section 7 of the constitution on Saturday.

They said the option was not appropriate as it could disturb His Majesty, who, they said, is the King for all Thais, according to the source.

Supreme Commander Gen Tanasak Patimaprakorn, army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, navy leader Adm Narong Pipattanasai and air force commander ACM Prajin Juntong and permanent secretary for defence Gen Nipat Thonglek were involved in the talks as they gathered for an audience granted by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn at Amporn Garden for newly promoted generals.

They will meet the Rattha Bukkhon group on Monday as it is lobbying for backing from the armed forces on the option to end the political turmoil.

The source said the military leaders will not put a brake on the push but will not reaction on the issue, according to the source.

Gen Prayuth said the group are welcome to talk but added he will not make any comments until he sees the details of the letter to be forwarded to him.

He insisted that a military coup would not solve the crisis as it cannot put an end to the conflict.

Meanwhile, army deputy spokesman Winthai Suwaree dismissed rumours of an attempt by a general to stage a coup.

''The army position is still firm, to carry out its duty under the direction of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order,'' Col Winthai said.

He was referring to news circulated on social media two days ago that a top general in the army was mobilising soldiers and military equipment from the 2nd Infantry Division in Prachin Buri and the Wongthewan camp to prepare for a coup.

The deputy spokesman urged people to be careful with groundless stories intentionally made to stir public confusion.