aseepish

Martial law has been declared nation-wide.
PM Thaksin is in New York, says coup will not succeed.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5361512.stm

__________________
"It was about that time I realized that searching was my symbol, the emblem of those who go out at night with nothing in mind, the motives of a destroyer of compasses." -Cortázar

3mptin3ss

thats so awesome. the army commander took over the entire country while the prime minister was away lol. good job.

VictorG

Just hope it dosnt escalate into violence

gregimotis

I read some news about it -

I'd sure love for someone around here who knows more about Thai politics to give us an editorial... Khun Kao? Chalambok?

__________________
.
.
I am Tired. Tired. Tired.

Garland

The coup succeeded...I wonder what the King had to say, and how this will affect international relations with Thailand.

__________________
homo homini lupus

WildWest.

I don't think it's too going to be too bad. I work in Airport Security and we haven't been told anything special regarding our flights to Bangkok or dangers to Thais and foreigners. But we'll wait and see.

__________________
"Too much weights, not enough speed work"

Khun Kao

Unfortunately, I'm not real up on Thai politics, but this is the super short version:

The Prime Minister was crooked as hell. He was selling out his nation to make a buck. There was a very strong movement amongst the people to force him to resign.

Fortunately this is taking place under the current King, who is literally BELOVED by his people! (I am NOT saying King Bhumibol was in on this! From all reports, he does not appear to have been) Even though he is essentially a figurehead, he commands the respect of all Thai people. Numerous times throughout his reign he has stepped into politics and gotten enemies to put their differences aside to try and work something out. I am extremely optimistic that he will lead Thailand through this current crisis. My concern is that he is approaching 80 years old, and as much as it pains me to say so, this is likely to be his last hurrah! I am crossing my fingers that he successfully leads his people to better days.

He is likely to go down in history as one of Thailands greatest monarchs!

__________________
Kru Brooks C. Miller
USMTA Director of DC, MD, and VA
http://khunkao.com/

aseepish

I think his majesty the King will make sure that the military doesn't get out of hand. Thai history is full of this sort of thing. The last coup, by one General Suchinda was in 1991. After the military used force to stop the protests against Suchinda's rule (52 people were confirmed killed, but over a hundred are still missing) in May 1992, the King called him to the palace, admonished him, and the General stepped down. About four months later democratic elections were held.

Hopefully we'll see a quick transition back to civilian government without any bloodshed.

__________________
"It was about that time I realized that searching was my symbol, the emblem of those who go out at night with nothing in mind, the motives of a destroyer of compasses." -Cortázar

aseepish

Greater than Rama V?

I'm not sorry to see Thaksin (and by extention Thai Rak Thai) go either.

__________________
"It was about that time I realized that searching was my symbol, the emblem of those who go out at night with nothing in mind, the motives of a destroyer of compasses." -Cortázar

sportmuaythai

Thai people don't compare their two great kings, But king Bhumipol has reigned for over sixty years, so he has had more time to work for his country and his people. I'm glad that members here do indeed have good knowledge of Thailand and its kings and political leaders, particularly KhunKhao who probably hasn't yet traveled to Thailand. BTW all TVs and radio stations are completely censored, including blockage of CNN, BBC and host of other international news agencies, so you guys stand better chance of updated information than us local Thais.
Incidently, I'm among most Thais who are ready to sacrice their lives for king Bhumipol.

aseepish

Of course, I mean no disrespect to either monarch.

__________________
"It was about that time I realized that searching was my symbol, the emblem of those who go out at night with nothing in mind, the motives of a destroyer of compasses." -Cortázar

sportmuaythai

I understand you, aseepish. Things have returned to normal, and braodcast connections for CNN, BBC etc have resumed for Thais. No resistance from the ex-prime minister's military force. Prior to the coup, they were about evenly match in strength, but some of the ex-prime mininster's elite mobile force were deployed to curb southern activities. With the prime minister being away ( perhaps eluding?), the coup was inevitable.

OctaviousBP

I'm a bit split on the issue, but things are seemingly getting back to normal.

Tee Sok

Incidently, I'm among most Thais who are ready to sacrice their lives for king Bhumipol.[/quote]

This is a thing that l noticed in Thailand. Many Thai friends I have there-including girls-told me that they would die for their King. It is fascinating and beautiful to see this kind of love for a King. It is well deserved if you see how much He has been doing for His people, also by going to the poor rural areas and working hard to improve their life. I didn't see PM Thaksin (or toxin) doing anything like this.

aseepish

In the Thai case it is admirable.

But people willing to die for their Emperor was a bit of a problem for us circa 1941-1945.

__________________
"It was about that time I realized that searching was my symbol, the emblem of those who go out at night with nothing in mind, the motives of a destroyer of compasses." -Cortázar