IN BRIEF: Thai opposition claims election victory

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Thai opposition claims election victory

Bangkok - Thai vots have swept Prime Minist Chuan Leekpai's govnment from office and given the main opposition party, led by Banharn Silpa- archa, a chance to head a new coalition. Mr Banharn claimed victory early today, saying he planned to form a six-party coalition govnment following yestday's genal election. He promised to tackle povty, turn Thailand into the centre of commce for Indochina, decentralise govnment and redistribute wealth to the provinces. Calculations during the night made Mr Banharn's Chart Thai (Thai Nation) the biggest party in parliament with 93 of the 391 seats. Mr Chuan's Democrat Party was relegated to second place with 86 seats. Reute