Bangkok coup 20/09/06

Well another day another bloodless coup detat. The last time their was a coup in Thailand was the first time I was here, it seems like ever time I come to Thailand something happens, this either means I am spending way too much time in Thailand or that it really is an unstable floundering democracy.
Last time round I was living over by democracy monument where it all goes on. The roads had been blocked by khaki clad types and still people were shimmying across pipes that criss cross the stinking fetid klongs threading their way around Bkk, ignoring blokades and going where they pleased, rats up a drainpipe they all crowded into the streets to wave flags. In the end the King had to step in and sit the two chaps who were causing all the fuss down. Like errant school boys he let them crawl on the ground on National television.
One wonders is this really the end of Thaksin, He seems to have a touch of the feline for political lives, of course he's not up there with Hun Sen (coincidentally rumor of coup is rife in his country too). Thaksin is currently in New York. Will he return? Seems to be the question. Today was declared a public holiday and all schools and universities were closed (many blocked by military). They waited about incase Thaksin returned. as yet nothing seems to be happening on that front. Martial law has been declared with the promise of "a return to democracy as soon as possible" One must ask what kind of democracy they are returning too.
Consider, Thaksin did in fact win the last lot of elections making him the democratic leader of Thailand (not a hanging chad in sight). Although deeply unpopular with many (especially intellectuals) surely one must stand by the umpires decision, or risk bringing the game into disrepute. Then of course there are the rumors of electoral commission corruption and fraud not to mention staged "murder attempts" but is all of this just rumour, Thai's (like many others) love a good rumor and gossip. Surely though at the end of the democratic day a country gets the government it deserves.
Tomorrow my friends is another day let's see if the dust settles or the fur flies.
Love N.J.