You can read it that way, or you can say they are dyslexic.
The pattern you have pointed out is real, but it is just the window dressing. It is what happens due to the instability that is the major concern, and this is what we had hoped would end.
I don't think the coup will help in this regard, and is partly why it occurs in the first place.
Similar things have happened and are happening in Eastern Europe. The constant government churn allows any criminal enterprise to flourish, and in this case, the enterprises are multiple in nature and can only take advantage of the uncertainty and no doubt have lots of people on the payroll that will be found in government. the only way to eliminate this is to foster a longterm democracy and allow it to mature.
This event shows that the people of Thailand will continue to be manipulated by their guests, who will continue to churn the pot, whenever their interests are in danger. It's hard to say just who is running the asylum right now, but I have my suspicions that it stems from the South and will not be directly visable in the light of day.
I dont think comparing it to Eastern Europe is valid. Different culture.
As things stand right now I think we just need to see how this plays out. I dont see the connection to the south that you do, but we will have to wait and see.