Thailand resists pressure

Thailand's leader delivered a thinly veiled message to Washington that the extradition of suspected Russian arms smuggler Viktor Bout cannot be rushed.

"We are not sending Viktor Bout back today. There are still several legal steps to go through," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said.

The comment followed rumours that the extradition had happened or that Bout would be escorted by commandos and handed over to US authorities.

Other officials indicated the US was trying to speed the legal process but said Thailand would not be pressured.