Special report:Thai deputy PM appointed caretaker PM    

    BANGKOK, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Pol. Gen. Chidchai Vanasatidya has defended caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's decision to entrust him to become the acting premier, saying it is lawful and in compliance with the country's administration regulations.

    He made the remarks in response to a mounting criticism by many parties that the appointment of the acting prime minister constituted a duplication of authority, the official Thai News Agency said on Monday.

    "I don't want anyone to talk about the matter because it can cause confusion in the country. Everything has been done in compliance with the state administration rules. Absolutely, there is no duplication of authority," Chidchai said on Sunday.

    He said Thaksin decided to take a leave for a rest. Under the circumstance, there must be an appointment of the acting prime minister.

    Asked to comment on the Democrat Party's deputy leader Alongkorn Polabutr's plan to petition to the Constitutional Court for the legalization of the appointment, he said: "Everybody should play by rule. Please don't cause confusion in the country." Enditem