> Sorry ....I just don't support military coup's <
I agree with you on wholeheartedly that point.
And if I could have had my druthers, there would have been no coup in Thailand. I think the coup was a real pity, since the Kingdom has otherwise seemed to be on the road to a workably democratic style of government since 1992.
Moreover, it's a fact that Thaksin has been genuinely and enthusiastically supported by the predominantly rural voters of the north and northeast. If an honest vote were possible in Thailand, there's at least a 50-50 chance that his "Thai Rak Thai" party would win. And if it were up to me, I would have given them the chance at the polls in October.
Actually, I've never liked Thaksin due to his wacky economic ideas and his autocratic style. But still I disagree with our colleague Killjoy and those of his Bangkok acquaintances who have expresed favorable opinions on the coup, because I had hoped for Thailand to continue its fledging steps toward a democratic polity.
That being said however, Killjoy and other well-informed posters on this thread are 100% correct on the following:
(1) the coup had nothing to do with religion,
(2) it was basically the result of a long-simmering power struggle between Thaksin and certain rivals who are 99% Buddhists,
(3) there's absolutely a ZERO chance of significant Muslim influence on the Thai government, and
(4) Thailand has been and will remain the USA's best friend in the region.
Now let's get back to worrying about serious problems like Iran's N-bomb ambitions and the traitorous behavior of McPain-cum-Graham-the-Cracker.
What I caught flack for on this thread was the recent (last two years) growing relationship with Iran. Laying religion aside, the relationship is my point. American influences in Thailand are the reasons behind the push by Iran, and this coup may be related indirectly. Iran has agents working in many places to destabilize relationships with the West, and may well be starting to fund the insurgency that according to some observers, resulted in this coup.
No, religion is not the problem directly. And no, I don't think the relationships with the U.S. are as safe as you indicate. I think there is a lot of competition for that relationship.
Just because this guy is a Muslim, is not a problem, unless there is a special relationship, a promise of funds, and all the power that comes with it from a country that wishes to undermine the U.S. and the world.
The King may be just a ignorant pawn in a chess game. As are the Thai people.
Time will tell the tale. The U.S. Authorities are definitely worried and you can see this worry in their commentary on this coup. There is a real war going on, and we are gradually losing our influence over it. Thailand is one domino of many....