COUP D'THAI

20-09-2006

There are troops and tanks on the streets of Bangkok, after the overthrow of the elected government. One British expat has sent us this despatch.

As you will have heard, yesterday senior military commanders staged a coup d'etat to overthrow the government of Thaksin Shinawatra and I would like to clarify the current situation for you. The coup was bloodless, unopposed by any significant elements in society and has, in fact, been welcomed by very many Thais throughout the country. This may seem unusual in a democracy so it is important to put this event in context.

Thaksin Shinawatra had become deeply unpopular in recent months due to rampant corruption within his government and his dictatorial style. His policies were undermining democratic development in Thailand and causing unprecedented divisions in the country, to the extent that the risk of bloodshed was very real.

As Thaksin refused to relinquish power, or compromise in any way, the military has therefore stepped in now to prevent matters deteriorating further. The senior commanders involved are known to be good professional soldiers with no political ambitions so their stated reasons for the coup and their promise to return power to the Thai people through new elections, to be held as soon as possible, are to be believed.

The military is in firm control of the country and everyday life has already returned to normal; in Bangkok traffic is as heavy as usual and there is very little army presence to be seen on the streets. For visitors to Thailand therefore the current events present no danger or risk. The country is peaceful and perhaps more stable than it has been for some months.