Hidden in plain sight
It was perhaps the most real-time documented Coup d’état in history. Hundreds of ex-pats were posting on a popular internet forum what was going on outside there window, and the server was swamped. The one thing that was noticed was the Thai People were all for the military intervention, and fear was replaced with sighs of relief and celebration in the coming days. Continue reading Post ID 15871
When the Thai military staged a Coup in 2014, they enjoyed nearly 70% support from Thais because they were doing something that was seen as positive for Thailand. But now it seems they may be expanding their agenda and based on what that agenda is, they risk having the entire population turning on them as well as giving Thaksin ammunition to stage a comeback. Continue reading Post ID 15871
The USA sees Thailand’s martial law as stepping on freedom and democracy, and to some extent it is. But when you understand that Martial law is keeping want to be dictators and other trouble makers in check, it is suddenly viewed in a different light. Continue reading Post ID 15871
Subtle hints of Thaksin working behind the scenes to resume where he left off are finding their way into the news. The reports are increasing in frequency and gradually taking on a more political tone. The only thing that is keeping Thaksin’s volume down is Martial Law, and that is entirely the reason Martial law is being kept in place. Continue reading Post ID 15871
More than 4 months after the May 2014 coup, you may expect some easing of military muscle as Thailand trends back towards democracy. But to many Thais, they recognize that Martial law for now is the best option to let Thailand heal simply because corrupt Thais don’t want to see the end of the status quo. To let the anti-corruption laws and procedures come into effect without sabotage is the quickest and best road for Thailand.
Continue reading Post ID 15871
Although it has not been in the news, there is plenty of back room talk amongst corrupt Thai politicians as to how to counter the military’s push to clean up Thailand’s corruption. Much of their hopes are pinned on the mandatory retirement of the Coup leading General in a few months. However that too seems to be questionable in that signs point to the General picking up the ball as the interim Prime Minister once things get to the next step. Continue reading Post ID 15871
From outside of Thailand the title of this entry could easily cause a WTF. But if a person has been living in Thailand for the past year, they would see the title as an accurate assessment. So when you look at the response to the Coup by the United States and the European Union along with a few other countries, the people living in Thailand would be saying WTF is going on with them. Continue reading Post ID 15871
The title of this entry should have a ? or an ! after it. The problem is we don’t know just yet witch one is the right one to use. In either case there is significant major activity by the Junta with a full on attack against corruption and graft because things are all coming to a head and Thailand’s face is at stake. Continue reading Post ID 15871
The title of this entry can be a bit deceiving and easily seen as being pro-Junta. However the fact of the matter is the Government the Junta unseated was doing such a bad job, that most anyone who has a good level of competence and basic common sense could have done better than the pro-Thaksin Government they unseated. Continue reading Post ID 15871
Piecing together bits and pieces in the news from different stories, it is clear the Thai Junta knows full well Thaksin is and has been the cause of Thailand’s problems for many years. So in no uncertain terms the Junta has told Thaksin to back off as there is already evidence of Thaksin gathering steam for his next round. Unfortunately that will not stop Thaksin but only alter his attack plans to neutralize the military first. Continue reading Post ID 15871
Since Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s Government came to power in 2011, the Red Shirts have been doing their best to bury their violent past. But because the Junta is not playing politics and they too were victims of Red Shirt violence, the Junta is mincing no words when it comes to talk about the Red Shirt’s behavior and the upcoming trials in criminal court related to the 2010 Red Shirt riots. Continue reading Post ID 15871
Although the word Junta is a bad word to many, Thailand’s new Junta is not acting like a Junta at all. Their immediate goal of closing the gap caused by Thaksin seems to be admired by all, and secretly admired by the people who don’t like the word Junta. So perhaps a new word or description needs to be invented to accurately described what those Thai Generals really are. Continue reading Post ID 15871
Seeing that Thaksin Shinawatra’s behavior will not be much different than in the past, addressing new things that he may not have encountered before requires a bit more thought. But in reality that is not much of an issue. The harder task is to anticipate what those new things may be in 4 to 6 months in the future. Continue reading Post ID 15871
In part 1 we outlined some of the parameters that must be considered in predicting Thaksin Shinawatra’s next moves. In part 2 we explore some of the resources he has at his disposal and how likely he will use them. Continue reading Post ID 15871