Thai PM says putting army chief in charge of security

Thailand's prime minister today said he was putting his army chief in charge of security operations to contain mass anti-government protests, replacing the deputy prime minister.

Thailand's prime minister said on Friday he was putting his army chief in charge of security operations to contain mass anti-government protests, replacing the deputy prime minister.

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Anupong Paojinda "will be responsible for the current situation" in the protest-hit capital, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in a nationally televised address.

Previously Abhisit's deputy Suthep Thaugsuban had been overseeing security operations in Bangkok, including a failed crackdown last weekend that left 23 people dead and more than 800 injured.