BANGKOK 26 May (ANA) - Thailand's former prime minister and royal confidante Prem Tinsulanonda, one of the most influential figures in modern Thai politics, has died aged 98.

The former army general, who served as prime minister from 1980 to 1988, died in a Bangkok hospital on Sunday.

The most trusted advisor of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Prem helped to cement the military-monarchy bond. 

He is widely believed to have been instrumental in the 2006 coup against then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. 

Interim House Speaker Chai Chidchob called on Thailand's parliament to "stand for a moment in memorial" on Sunday morning.

Aides of the influential politician said his death was caused by heart failure, according to local media reports.

Prem was born in southern Thailand in 1920, 12 years before absolute monarchy was abolished.

He graduated from the country's top military academy and went on to serve as army chief before moving into politics.(ANA)

FA/ANA/26 May 2019-----