In this Sept 29, 2020 file photo, former Royal Thai Army commander-in-chief Apirat Kongsompong (center left) hands over the army chief flag to his successor Narongpan Jitkaewtae (center right) during an official ceremony in Bangkok. (MLADEN ANTONOV / AFP)

BANGKOK - The Thai army on Wednesday dismissed rumors of a coup attempt as some infantry carrier vehicles were spotted on the eastern outskirts of the capital Bangkok.

The dismiss of a coup rumor came against the backdrop that massive protests were staged on Bangkok's streets

Deputy army spokeswoman Col Sirichan Ngathong categorically denied that a batch of 14 Stryker infantry carrier vehicles, which were seen transported on a motorway from the Laem Chabang port in the Chonburi province, was part of a coup attempt as rumored on social media.

Her remarks came against the backdrop that massive protests were staged on Bangkok's streets.

Sirichan said the US-made infantry carrier vehicles were merely destined for an ordnance battalion in the Saraburi province, passing the eastern outskirts of the Thai capital. 

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Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced on Wednesday that he would soon lift the state of severe emergency in the capital Bangkok.

In a live broadcast address, Prayut said he would soon lift the state of severe emergency declared last week over massive protests on Bangkok's streets, but didn't say exactly when.

The prime minister added that the protesters' political demands would soon be addressed by the parliament. He advised both the government and the street protesters to "take a step back."

The Thai government is yet to issue a royal decree for the opening of an extraordinary House/Senate session to discuss easing the political situation.

The extraordinary parliamentary session is tentatively scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday. 

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