Sawadee Coup! Tanks in Thailand
Wednesday morning's Thai coup succeeded in overthrowing the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra without any violence or retaliation.  Thailand's top general, Sonthi Boonyaratglin, declared himself the country's interim leader until civilian rule is restored.  Sonthi ordered 20 tanks to be rolled into Bangkok to block off the Royal Palace, army headquarters, Thaksin's office and most importantly, for effect.  What's a coup d'etat with no tanks?  Thaksin, who was in New York for the U.N. General Assembly meeting, will be allowed to return to Thailand though not as P.M.  Thaksin has become widely unpopular for abusing his powers as P.M. to enhance his multi-billion-dollar media fortune.  King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the longest reigning monarch in the world, gave his blessing to the military takeover and endorses the interim military rule.  Thailand, a country that seemed to be turning a corner with regard to its economy and historically fragile political scene, now faces the challenge of restoring order to its streets and repairing a damaged reputation.  The ensuing chaos from the coup appears to have caused some Thais post-traumatic stress.  A Flumesday reporter witnessed numerous Bangkok locals repeating the same English words.  When asked about the coup, one taxi driver replied, "sex show, ping-pong."  And a female small-business owner was only able to mutter the phrase, "Massagey, boom-boom," over and over again.  In this time of turmoil, I only hope the Thai people can rebound.

•Bangkok Post: Play-by-Play Coup Report
•Washington Post Editorial

 

 

 

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