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Last Updated: Tuesday, 19 October, 2004, 11:09 GMT 12:09 UK
Burma's prime minister 'arrested'
Burma's new Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt
Khin Nyunt has been seen as more reform-minded
Conservative elements in Burma's military junta have ousted Prime Minister Khin Nyunt and put him under house arrest, Thai officials say.

"Khin Nyunt was removed from his position," Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra told reporters.

In recent months diplomats have spoken of a power struggle between Khin Nyunt, number three in Burma's hierarchy, and the hard-line Senior General Than Shwe.

The dispute appears to be more about business than politics, analysts say.

Khin Nyunt's reported ouster would be a blow to those hoping for reform in Burma, says the BBC's South East Asia correspondent, Kylie Morris.

Number three in junta hierarchy
Appointed Prime Minister in 2003, in perceived demotion
But power struggle with senior leader Than Shwe hampered progress

He was at least prepared to discuss the release from house arrest of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Witnesses have told the BBC they have seen soldiers taking up position outside Khin Nyunt's house in Rangoon.

"We can confirm that Khin Nyunt has been removed from the position of prime minister and is being detained under house arrest," said Thai government spokesman Jakrapob Penkair in Bangkok.

"The person who signed the order said Khin Nyunt had been involved in corruption and not suitable to stay in his position," he added.

The secretive military government in Burma has yet to confirm or deny the reports, which have come from both Thai officials, Indian intelligence sources and other unofficial sources inside Burma.

Khin Nyunt was also head of military intelligence, and several companies run by the intelligence service have been shut down in recent days, amid reports that intelligence officials have been arrested.

There was an increased troop presence outside military intelligence headquarters in the city, witnesses said.

Losing grip on power

As Prime Minister, Khin Nyunt has relied upon Burma's secret police to shore up his power.

But Senior General Than Shwe and his number two, Maung Aye, hold the loyalty of the key factions within the army.

Amid mounting signs of disagreement within the high echelons of Burma's military hierarchy, a cabinet reshuffle last month promoted so-called hardliners at the expense of others who - like Khin Nyunt - took a more open stance.

Consequently Khin Nyunt's position has weakened of late, and it now seems like hard-line forces have prevailed, according to our correspondent.

Khin Nyunt was seen as favouring talks with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and soon after his appointment announced a seven-point roadmap to democracy.

But Than Shwe remains strongly opposed to any role for the Nobel laureate.

Her release was widely expected prior to the resumption of the National Convention in May but Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest.

Unconfirmed reports suggest change in Burma

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