Special report: Army coup in Thailand

Ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra called on Thursday in London for a new general election in Thailand quickly.

In a statement, he said "We hope the new regime will quickly arrange a new general election and continue to uphold the principles of democracy for the future of all Thais."

Thaksin, who arrived in London from New York in Wednesday evening for a "private visit," would take a "deserved rest" from politics, planning to carry out research, development and "possible charitable work for Thailand," the statement said.

"The event in Thailand during the last two days should not detract from my main aim of national reconciliation," the statement added. "Therefore (I) would like to urge all parties to find ways and means to reconcile and work toward national reconciliation for the sake of our king and country."

On Wednesday, a spokesman for British Prime Minister Tony Blair said there had been no requests from Thaksin or his entourage for any meetings with British government ministers or officials.

The spokesman was not aware how long Thaksin was expected to stay, but noted that he had relatives in Britain. One of Thaksin's daughters is studying at a university in London.

The Thai Army Commander, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, announced on Tuesday night that he had established a Reform Council to take over Thaksin-led administration of the country. A nationwide state of martial law has been declared.

Gen. Sonthi told a news conference in Bangkok that a new prime minister would be named within two weeks, and new elections would take place in a year's time, once a new constitution was written.

Blair's spokesman said the British government was concerned about developments in Thailand. "Our general approach would be that we want to see a return to democracy as quickly as possible," he said.

"There are elections scheduled for October and November and we are actively trying to find out whether those elections will go ahead or not," he added.

Editor: Yan