[samadams2000]

He must fell like a lowly third world leader just about now..er...nevermind.

[Wormwood]

He was a filthy kleptocrat who deserved to be hanged in the public square.

Just like the next one will be.

[Tax-chick]

King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Thai army chief Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra

Names for Thai Coup Haiku. Good luck.

[Right Wing Assault]

Does anyone know what this is about? I haven't been following politics in Thailand and none of the stories I've read seem to give any reasons for the coup.

[Shermy]

Fate of PM's men unknown ; wife in Singapore

Thai military declares Wednesday holiday to announce "new policy"

Months of rumours come true - Finally, it had come down to a military showdown.

[mad puppy]

"The coup is being led by Thai army chief Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin,...."

Sonthi is Muslim.

Does he intend to begin converting by the sword or is he one of those peaceful Muslims I keep hearing about but never see?

[Liberal Classic]

The armed forces commander and the national police commander have successfully taken over Bangkok ... pardon for the inconvenience.

[Esther Ruth]

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/765052.html

Last update - 23:38 19/09/2006

Embassy warns Israelis in Thailand to stay near hotels

By Yoav Stern and Zohar Blumenkrantz, Haaretz Correspondents, and News Agencies

The Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that for now, life is going on as usual in Thailand, despite a military coup launched against the Thai prime minister.

The Israeli embassy in Bangkok instructed Israelis in Thailand to take precautions and stay close to their accommodations.

The Foreign Ministry recommended that those planning on departing to Thailand in the coming days follow the media for updates and examine whether their trips truly necessary.


Air traffic between Israel and Thailand is currently proceeding as scheduled.

Haaretz learned that no cancellations were registered and flights had not been halted in either direction. Of 350 passengers scheduled to fly Tuesday night on El Al's flight from Tel Aviv to Bangkok, 345 boarded the plane.

Flights between Israel and Bangkok on foreign carriers are proceeding as usual as well.

The Jordanian airline's office in Israel reported that the Bangkok airport is also functioning as usual, despite the coup.

The Thai military launched the coup against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday, circling his offices with tanks, seizing control of television stations and declaring a provisional authority loyal to the king.

The army took control of Bangkok without a shot being fired and announced a commission to reform the constitution, despite the prime minister's declaration of a state of emergency from New York.

A government spokesman with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the United Nations said the coup could not succeed and "we're in control".

Tanks and soldiers took over Government House in Thailand's first coup in 15 years and a coup spokesman said on television the army and police were in control of the capital and surrounding provinces.

The seizure would be temporary and power "returned to the people" soon, retired Lieutenant-General Prapart Sakuntanak said on all Thai television channels.

The army declared martial law, told all soldiers to report to base and banned unauthorised troop movements, suggesting the military leadership was worried that Thaksin loyalists in the armed forces might attempt a counter-coup.

Thailand is a popular destination among young Israelis recently discharged from the military, as well as among Israeli families.

[SkyPilot]

"Well, here I am, have a great time at the United Nations, enjoying a great shrimp and lobster lunch.. Mmmmmm, yum yum. Boy, this is the life. WHAAAAAAAT? What did you say? A Coup D'etat?!!!! OH MAN! This sucks!"

[SunTzuWu]

Thailand?

[airborne]

Still not clear on this.

Is this good or bad for US?

[Revolting cat!]

How is this affecting the girls in Bangkok?

[Killborn]

This. Has. Nothing. To. Do. With. Islam.

This. Has. Nothing. To. Do. With. Islam.

This. Has. Nothing. To. Do. With. Islam.

Now that that's out of the way, here's the situation on the ground, roughly.

The current PM is corrupt as all get out, unfortunately so is the majority of figures in Thai politics but that's another issue for another day. A lot of people don't like the guy so they staged a couple of large scale demonstrations. An election was held where there is so much voter fraud that the results were thrown out by the judiciary. Face with unpopular unrest, the PM promised to resign soon. At 10 pm Thai time today, the commander seized the capital and put on notices and announcements on the radio and tv. The General personally came on the air to address the Thai people. The address was a message that have three important key points. One, this is temporary, two, stay in your houses, and three, as of now, the charge of the country belongs to King Phumipol.

By all accounts, the Army looks to be the good guys in replacing a corrupt, unpopular government, even if the action is quite drastic. The most important thing the media is missing is the yellow ribbons wrapped around tank cannons and lapels. This is a very good sign, because yellow ribbons is the symbol of the Thai monarchy. This means that the Army considered itself subjugated to the Throne. Couple this with the general's statement that the King is in charge, the likelihood of bloodshed and despotism seem unlikely.

This doesn't mean the King is in charge of the coup by any means. Regardless of his differences with the PM, he would not support a coup, no matter how righteous.

PS: STOP CRYING WOLF! Good Lord...

[bert]

Fortunately he's already in New York. I'll bet the State Department will buy his ticket to Miami. Hell, Condi might take him into Florida exile in her plane.

[PGalt]

Thanks for posting. Very interesting.