Thai deputy PM dies of suspected heart problem

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thai deputy prime minister and minister of tourism and sports Chumpol Silpa-archa died on Monday of a suspected heart problem aged 72, his party said.

Mr Chumpol, the leader of the Chart Thai Pattana Party - a member of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's ruling coalition - was admitted to hospital with breathing problems on Dec 17.

"We received news that he passed away this morning," Chart Thai Pattana spokesman Vachara Kannikar said. "We don't know the cause of death yet but I think it could be linked to his heart problem."

He was one of several deputy premiers serving under Ms Yingluck.