Military launches a coup in Thailand (Muslim General ousts Prime Minister)

AP on Yahoo ^ | 9/19/06 | Grant Peck - ap

[NormsRevenge]

BANGKOK, Thailand - The Thai military launched a coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday night, circling his offices with tanks, seizing control of TV stations and declaring a provisional authority pledging loyalty to the king.

An announcement on Thai television declared that a "Council of Administrative Reform" with King Bhumibol Adulyadej as head of state had seized power in Bangkok and nearby provinces without any resistance.

At least 14 tanks surrounded Government House, Thaksin's office. Thaksin was in New York at the U.N. General Assembly and declared a state of emergency.

[infowarrior]

I guess the question is what is driving this?

Several things, misterrob... One is allegations of corruption on the part of the prime minister, and another is the Islamic insurgency. There may well be other forces driving this, as well...

the infowarrior

[MattinNJ]

Not to make light of the coup, but if anyone likes martial arts see Thai native Tony Jaa in "The Protector". The movie and the acting suck but he puts Jet Li, Bruce Lee, and Jackie Chan COMBINED to shame. Jaw dropping. Amazing.

His first movie "Ong Bak" did well DVD wise. Same thing-amazing martial arts, terrible movie and acting. The Protector really picked up the martial arts a few notches over "Ong Bak."

Sorry, back to the coup.

[misterrob]

If the army is stepping in to stop the insurgency then that's fine with me

[archy]

I have been in contact with a friend there. Our cell phone conversation was cut off. All circuits are busy at this time.

River City civil communications shutdown operations info *here*.

[MinstrelBoy]

Or the difference between 38 mm and .38 cal : )

[ichabod1]

Thailand?

[ichabod1]

They really love this guy. They pay tribute to him with pictures of him and put fresh fruit and drinks in front of these pictures on a regular basis.

And they do it because the Royal Family are truly gracious, kind people to do well by their country. I have friends who've worked in the Princess' Institute, they WANT their monarchy.

[ichabod1]

in part because he only rarely gets involved in politics.

Yes, but he HAS stepped into the Politics.

[SevenofNine]

That tooo funny ROFL LOL!

[ichabod1]

As my former boss put it... the women there are either absolutely taboo and untouchable, or you can have'em for a quarter.

[SevenofNine]

Yeah is the same King who celebrate his 60 year as king right now?????

[ichabod1]

I guess it's so far beyond the possible as to be absurd to wonder why with all our 24 hour cable news operations we don't know a thing about this until the tanks start rumbling.

[johnny7]

“John has a long moustache.”

[ReignOfError]

Yes, but he HAS stepped into the Politics.

He has. And if this crisis lasts more than a few days, I'd expect him to do so again. He's generally regarded as a wise, calm and non-partisan influence, which is the kind of influence that can only be used sparingly and subtly without being lost.

[ReignOfError]

Yeah is the same King who celebrate his 60 year as king right now?????

Same dude. Bhumibol Adulyadej. He's the longest reigning current monarch, and is chasing Queen Victoria for the longest-reigning in recent history.

[SevenofNine]

OHH rack him I hope he break Queen Vickie record LOL!

[claudiustg]

---It's amazing how many people jump straight to wondering if Muslims are involved.---

The general is a Muslim, I believe.

[NormsRevenge]

I don't know who is cluttering up the keywords today but

Knock it off, a-hole!

[NormsRevenge]

article now on wire as

Thailand's military ousts prime minister