|
|
Article: Where power lies; Thailand's political army.
- Article from:
- The Economist (US)
- Article date:
- September 19, 2009
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 Economist Newspaper Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Coups are such an old-fashioned way of running things
AUTUMN in Thailand is coup season. Three years ago the prime minister at the time, Thaksin Shinawatra, flew to New York for the United Nations General Assembly as rumours circulated in Bangkok of a plot against him. His army chief denied them. On September 19th 2006 he seized power. As he sets off for this year's UN meetings, the current prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, will be hoping that history does not repeat itself. Since Mr Thaksin's ousting, Thailand has been convulsed by political fighting. The army has played a decisive role, even after it donned a figleaf of civilian rule. Few expect the generals ...