What is going on in Thailand?

[DarkNeko]

Can someone please explain to me what is going on in Thailand?

[dw8038r2]

And did it have anything to do with Robertac's recent visit???

[epicAdam]

LOL

What's going on in Thailand:

The former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, was elected in what were widely-regarded as a flawed election last year. The past year of his government has given rise political crises, scandals and embarassments of his government. In reaction to this, the military, under the command of Genearal Sonthi Boonyaratglin, deposed the government of Mr. Shinawatra while his was away attending the UN General Body conference in New York City.

The coup d'etat was apparently sanctioned by the King of Thailand, who while not politically significant, remains an extremely popular and influential leader.

Reaction from the world community has been harsh, especially from Australia and, to a lesser extent, the United States. Thailand had been one of the only truly democratic countries in Southeast Asia and is seen as a vital political, economic and military partner in the region.

The military regime currently in power says that it has no plans to remain in control of the country and has pledged to restore democracy in Thailand within a year. However, there are plans in the works for a permanent military council, whose future role in a democratic government is still unknown.

While I have not studied Thailand extensively, it is my understanding that the King of Thailand is very much in favor of democratic government. Considering the fact that this coup probably would not have taken place without the king's blessing, the assurances from the military that Thailand will return to democratic civilian control are probably genuine.

[Toriko]

Nothing too bad, I guess, considering it is the 'land of smiles':

Military coup leaders in Thailand often called the "Land of Smiles" apparently don't want to ruin that image. They've ordered soldiers to smile.

Army radio broadcasts are reminding soldiers to be friendly and courteous, especially to children and anyone who wants to take pictures with them.

Since Tuesday's overthrow of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, tanks and soldiers have been stationed at strategic points around Bangkok, becoming a must-have photograph for many Thais and tourists.

"People have shown overwhelming support for the soldiers," the army radio station said Saturday. "The soldiers should promote a positive image and continue smiling and be polite."

It was unclear if soldiers were also ordered to let civilians hold their M-16s, which some Thais and foreigners did as they posed for photographs that were published in local newspapers Saturday.

Many Thais have described this as the friendliest coup the country has ever seen. Thailand has a history of violent military coups, and the last one in 1991 ended with at least 50 pro-democracy demonstrators gunned down in Bangkok.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/...ory?id=2484178

[blooeyz]

This is not unusual for Thailand.
I wasn't concerned at all once the king asked everyone to respect the decision of the military.

[RKuper]

And did it have anything to do with Robertac's recent visit???

Yeah, Right!

Having lived in Thailand, I will just quote a popular saying in the Country!

"Coups come and go, but everything basically stays the same!"

[Homoaffectional]

Can someone please explain to me what is going on in Thailand?

According to the idiots at SA.com's 'Butch' Board, who just made that right-wing plant Beamer a moderator, not much worth worrying about...

[joeslifeyork]

LOL

What's going on in Thailand:

The former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, was elected in what were widely-regarded as a flawed election last year. The past year of his government has given rise political crises, scandals and embarassments of his government. In reaction to this, the military, under the command of Genearal Sonthi Boonyaratglin, deposed the government of Mr. Shinawatra while his was away attending the UN General Body conference in New York City.

The coup d'etat was apparently sanctioned by the King of Thailand, who while not politically significant, remains an extremely popular and influential leader.

Reaction from the world community has been harsh, especially from Australia and, to a lesser extent, the United States. Thailand had been one of the only truly democratic countries in Southeast Asia and is seen as a vital political, economic and military partner in the region.

The military regime currently in power says that it has no plans to remain in control of the country and has pledged to restore democracy in Thailand within a year. However, there are plans in the works for a permanent military council, whose future role in a democratic government is still unknown.

While I have not studied Thailand extensively, it is my understanding that the King of Thailand is very much in favor of democratic government. Considering the fact that this coup probably would not have taken place without the king's blessing, the assurances from the military that Thailand will return to democratic civilian control are probably genuine.

Woah there!

A year? They said 2 weeks! Not 12 months... where did you hear 12 months from?

[khushibagh]

Woah there!

A year? They said 2 weeks! Not 12 months... where did you hear 12 months from?

Handover of power to a civilian in 2 weeks; democracy in a year or so if the farmers and laborers behave themselves and don't express any support for Khun Taksin.

[fliptrx]

"Army radio broadcasts are reminding soldiers to be friendly and courteous, especially to children and anyone who wants to take pictures with them."

...after all, the children are their bread and butter !

[holland]

Nothing too bad, I guess, considering it is the 'land of smiles':





http://abcnews.go.com/International/...ory?id=2484178

whats that 70s soul song"beware of smiling faces"?

today i read on wikipedia that in thailand the most incidents of women?cutting of husbands? penis

it was in wikipedia and penis or some article

maybe all the young whores rebel when they grow up-very weird

[Homoaffectional]

It's interesting how quickly this all has been forgotten by the international media, among others (mainly everyone outside of Thailand, and even some in...)