BANGKOK - RUMOURS of a possible coup swept a jittery Bangkok on Thursday afternoon, on speculation that Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat may dismiss Army chief General Anupong Paochinda.

Tanks were seen on the street, but sources said they were involved in an 'exercise'.

The government asked the military to stay in their barracks as rumours circulated that the army was plotting a coup amid protests, a spokesman said.