Should We Fear This General

[webfact]

PRAYUTH CHAN-OCHA

Should we fear this man?

By THE NATION

Published on January 30, 2010

BANGKOK: -- Why, all of a sudden, does the little-known deputy Army chief attract so much political attention? Poised to replace General Anupong Paochinda and having four years to steer the Army, a coup must be the furthest thing from General Prayuth Chan-ocha's mind at the moment. Avudh Panananda reports

Although General Prayuth Chan-ocha is known to his colleagues as a mild-mannered and staid soldier, the deputy Army chief is being seen - given the backdrop of political turbulence - to have a pivotal role in a coup plot that could alter the course of Thai political history.

Regardless of whether the storyline is a figment of the imagination or an open secret, Prayuth is the man of the hour, with friends and foes alike trying to stake a claim to him as being their own kind, or threatening to destroy him if he refuses to go their way.

The red shirts and a large number of Pheu Thai MPs link him to a coup plot. Their argument is that Prayuth wants to have the door slammed shut on a possible comeback by fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Proponents of this scenario include Pheu Thai's Jatuporn Promphan, Nisit Sinthuprai, Suchart Lainamngern and Surapong Towijakchaikul.

At the other end of the opposition spectrum, a powerful Pheu Thai Party clique - led by Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Chalerm Yoobamrung - has portrayed Prayuth in a different light, harbouring hope of wooing him as an ally.

The Democrats, meanwhile, praise him as a professional soldier dedicated to toeing the line of the government team.

In the eyes of the top brass, Prayuth is the designated heir to Army chief General Anupong Paochinda. Yet the public knows and hears very little about the general who is poised to carry the Army's torch.

Within the Army ranks, Prayuth is a respected commanding officer who has been keeping a low profile.

As a graduate of Pre-Cadet Class 12, Prayuth made a wise choice early in his career by nurturing his professional ties with upperclassman Anupong from Pre-Cadet Class 10.

The two took care to watch each other's backs when they served as the Queen's royal guards in the elite 21st Infantry Regiment in Chon Buri.

When Anupong got a career boost to become the commander of the 2nd Infantry Division in Prachin Buri, Prayuth followed suit like a shadow. There the two were doubly lucky to fall under the good grace of the then Army chief, General Prawit Wongsuwan, who is presently defence minister.

After Anupong received his due promotion as the commanding general of the 1st Army Region, Prayuth again rode on his coattails to climb the military ladder.

Between 2001 and 2005, Thaksin was at the height of his power. Soldiers, particularly his fellow graduates from Pre-Cadet Class 10, were swayed to defend his authoritarian leadership.

Under the military traditions on assignment review, the rise of Pre-Cadet Class 10 automatically eclipsed the careers of those graduated from two classes below, including Prayuth.

If the September 19, 2006 had not happened, Anupong would have been promoted upstairs and Prayuth would have faded into oblivion, as Thaksin had already sensed their wavering loyalty.

The power seizure caused an about-turn of fate in favour of the two. Anupong was catapulted into the centre of power and he brought along his top lieutenant, Prayuth.

During the coup and its aftermath, Anupong was in a precarious position. He could not count on his classmates, as most were linked to Thaksin. He had to wield his clout through Pre-Cadet Class 9's General Montri Sangkhasap.

As the junta was about to pick the Army chief in 2007, Montri joined the race. Prayuth had the rare opportunity to shine by rallying his classmates, who were then division commanders, to back Anupong's leadership.

The Anupong-Prayuth alliance goes way back, and their mutual support is seen as the anchor that makes the Army the way it currently is, both politically and militarily.

With less than nine months to go to Anupong's retirement, the spotlight has obviously been turned on Prayuth. Born in 1954, he would have four years to steer the Army before himself reaching mandatory retirement age. And his long tenure might translate into wide-ranging consequences in the political landscape.

The red shirts and the yellow shirts are both making a lot of noise about Prayuth because they want to smoke him out to show his true colours.

Several coup scenarios, as churned out by the pro-Thaksin camp, have been designed to drive a wedge in the Anupong-Prayuth alliance. A case in point is Jatuporn and Nisit both claiming Prayuth was spearheading a coup plot without the backing of Anupong.

Red-shirt leader Weng Tojirakarn gave his take on a coup, viewing it as an opportunity to trigger an upheaval leading to a complete transformation of the political scene. Under his scenario, the coup would speed up Thaksin's comeback.

However, coalition politicians and the yellow shirts beg to differ. A coup, if it happened, would root out Thaksin's supporters and put him in permanent exile. Although the Democrats stand firm in opposing any attempts at grabbing power, their consolation is that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is said to be on the shortlist to carry on as premier should there be a coup.

The top brass has reportedly made a routine assessment of the situation. Several generals voiced concern that unfolding events could lead to a political meltdown.

The key words here are "political meltdown". Unless this happens, Prayuth will remain on the fence and is free to respond with the scripted answer of "there is no coup".

-- The Nation 2010-01-30

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Samuian]

Think it depends very much on what happens on/after the verdict is read on Febr.26th.

[animatic]

Think it depends very much on what happens on/after the verdict is read on Febr.26th.

Certainly this is the over-riding unknown for the future.

How far will Thaksin push it, and how far will his minions be willing to go?

How that act will no doubts determine how Prayuth with act. If they are not a disruption,

he will most likely be content to stay in barracks and make the typical obique public comments

his raised status would demand of him.

...The red shirts and the yellow shirts are both making a lot of noise about Prayuth because they want to smoke him out to show his true colours....

...Several coup scenarios, as churned out by the pro-Thaksin camp, have been designed to drive a wedge in the Anupong-Prayuth alliance. A case in point is Jatuporn and Nisit both claiming Prayuth was spearheading a coup plot without the backing of Anupong....

Thes 3 sentences hit to the heart of the issues.

Who is this quiet loyal to his leader soldier who seems to have a good political sense for

which horses to back. And how to back them with the least fall out.

I doubt Prayuth is acceptable to the extemes of Red or Yellow factions... this is likely a good thing.

If his M.O.O. is acceptable to the mainstream then this is the best place to be.

Yes, attempts to drive a wedge between the heir apparent and, well, anyone else, particularly the Democrats.

Anupong must know this guy well and the wedge is not gonna work here. But sowing seeds of doubt is

lower end red SOP, so they try anyway. The upper end as such still thinks they can buy him as an ally...

In any case they must turn him into the boggieman asap if the want to rally anyone to consider

going up against him, rather than the departing Anupong, later in the year, so they are vilifying him now.

Jatuporn and Nisit will say what ever they think might stick and bounce around peoples heads,

this might be attempting to create job security for themselves post Thaksin. If he collapses,

they need someone new and long term to go after to give their positions reasons to exist at all.

Edited January 30, 2010 by animatic

[Loaded]

Always depressing to read of politicians courting the (future) leader of the military in a so called 'democracy'. They have a long way to travel sadly before it's the voice of the people for the people.

Edited January 30, 2010 by Loaded

[Loaded]

Think it depends very much on what happens on/after the verdict is read on Febr.26th.

I think it depends on what will happen before February 26th.

[ChiangMaiFun]

Hasten the day when it is irrelevant... just shows what an immature democracy Thailand is - it shouldn't matter (but it does)

[granuaile]

Why does Thailand have to be a democracy? My experience has long been that "democracy" is the true opiate of the masses, and exists few if any places. Just because people vote and have a constitution does not make it a democracy. Maybe I am jaded by the back and forth pendulum swings of US politics (though seems to occur in a lot of other Western "democracies" as well).

If it were a Western-style democracy would China be the economic and military power that it is emerging as in the 21st century? Perhaps the influence here of the military in politics is not a bad thing, perhaps that would bring the stability that Thailand needs. I have far more respect for the military in Thailand than I do most politicians though I think the current government is doing a good job given the destabilizing efforts of their opponents.

And Thailand might be in much better shape if the leaders of the 2006 coup had not allowed themselves to be rushed into a new constitution and elections by Western powers, who they should have told where to go.

Just my two-baht, not worth more than anyone else's two-baht. But democracy as it is practiced in the West is very much an illusion, a front for the corporate powers that run everything. Quite frankly, I think the military or an alliance of politicians and the military would run things far better than democracy purchased by the highest bidder. I know this view is not popular with many, but I don't see any reason to praise or strive for "democracy." I hope that General Prayuth proves himself to be a good leader when he replaces General Anupong.

[givenall]

Do you really think the power to be put a army general in a position of he was not able to help them to keep the power in check. I think the politics/power struggle is in its final stages and things are becoming more and more stable.

And one thing for sure; Mr. Lost and he also about to lose his money

[ChiangMaiFun]

Why does Thailand have to be a democracy? My experience has long been that "democracy" is the true opiate of the masses, and exists few if any places. Just because people vote and have a constitution does not make it a democracy. Maybe I am jaded by the back and forth pendulum swings of US politics (though seems to occur in a lot of other Western "democracies" as well).

If it were a Western-style democracy would China be the economic and military power that it is emerging as in the 21st century? Perhaps the influence here of the military in politics is not a bad thing, perhaps that would bring the stability that Thailand needs. I have far more respect for the military in Thailand than I do most politicians though I think the current government is doing a good job given the destabilizing efforts of their opponents.

And Thailand might be in much better shape if the leaders of the 2006 coup had not allowed themselves to be rushed into a new constitution and elections by Western powers, who they should have told where to go.

Just my two-baht, not worth more than anyone else's two-baht. But democracy as it is practiced in the West is very much an illusion, a front for the corporate powers that run everything. Quite frankly, I think the military or an alliance of politicians and the military would run things far better than democracy purchased by the highest bidder. I know this view is not popular with many, but I don't see any reason to praise or strive for "democracy." I hope that General Prayuth proves himself to be a good leader when he replaces General Anupong.

Maybe... but putting power with any general is not a great idea - they are career soldiers not politicians

[animatic]

As long as politicians and their street armies try to manipulate the voters,

and rob from the people as normal political process,

the army will never see a reason not to be involved.

The democratic foundation is there, but the players in the political sphere are not mature

enough to be left on their own without an escape valve or reset button.

The army seems to see themselves, at this time as that escape valve.

[ChiangMaiFun]

As long as politicians and their street armies try to manipulate the voters,

and rob from the people as normal political process,

the army will never see a reason not to be involved.

The democratic foundation is there, but the players in the political sphere are not mature

enough to be left on their own without an escape valve or reset button.

The army seems to see themselves, at this time as that escape valve.

I actaully agree with you! but it's more a sign of 'Might is Right' than a sign of maturity - they have the guns and tanks so that's ok then...

[ianh68]

Do you really think the power to be put a army general in a position of he was not able to help them to keep the power in check. I think the politics/power struggle is in its final stages and things are becoming more and more stable.

Stable = opposition crushed? That doesn't mean the problem has gone away or that it won't resurface.

[animatic]

A dysfunctional opposition crushed, may mean there is now space left

for a functional opposition to fill the void. Lord knows that is what's need badly here.

PPP and PTP and their Red shirt allies have had 2 years in and out of office to prove their competence

and it has been a dismal and obvious failing to launch. Until they jettison their incompetent

or self-serving debrie, and get on with being a real functional Shadow Government type party

and not just a rehabilitation mechanism for failed and banned political operatives,

there can be no pretense of the PTP actually being competent at the controls of the nation.

If the reds and their direct PTP connections go all out and screw the pooch shortly with

minimal disruption and carnage, but their utter discrediting,

then maybe their idiot elements can be replaced with real thinkers,

and the laudable elements of their potential platform could replace the solely self serving ones.

Right now they have nothing to offer except Thaksin as puppet master

and mostly spurious denunciations of the government and Privy Council; as this or that.

Not much with which to build a nation ruling coalition with, as noted by those parties that ditched them last year.

Edited January 30, 2010 by animatic

[h90]

Why does Thailand have to be a democracy? My experience has long been that "democracy" is the true opiate of the masses, and exists few if any places. Just because people vote and have a constitution does not make it a democracy. Maybe I am jaded by the back and forth pendulum swings of US politics (though seems to occur in a lot of other Western "democracies" as well).

If it were a Western-style democracy would China be the economic and military power that it is emerging as in the 21st century? Perhaps the influence here of the military in politics is not a bad thing, perhaps that would bring the stability that Thailand needs. I have far more respect for the military in Thailand than I do most politicians though I think the current government is doing a good job given the destabilizing efforts of their opponents.

And Thailand might be in much better shape if the leaders of the 2006 coup had not allowed themselves to be rushed into a new constitution and elections by Western powers, who they should have told where to go.

Just my two-baht, not worth more than anyone else's two-baht. But democracy as it is practiced in the West is very much an illusion, a front for the corporate powers that run everything. Quite frankly, I think the military or an alliance of politicians and the military would run things far better than democracy purchased by the highest bidder. I know this view is not popular with many, but I don't see any reason to praise or strive for "democracy." I hope that General Prayuth proves himself to be a good leader when he replaces General Anupong.

Well most government claim to be democracys.

To recall East Germany and Sovjet Union, Cuba had elections, just they had only 1 party

USA has only two almost identical parties.

Countries like Italy or Thailand have a lot of parties....but still they don't anything for the people.

[mca]

Why does Thailand have to be a democracy? My experience has long been that "democracy" is the true opiate of the masses, and exists few if any places. Just because people vote and have a constitution does not make it a democracy. Maybe I am jaded by the back and forth pendulum swings of US politics (though seems to occur in a lot of other Western "democracies" as well).

If it were a Western-style democracy would China be the economic and military power that it is emerging as in the 21st century? Perhaps the influence here of the military in politics is not a bad thing, perhaps that would bring the stability that Thailand needs. I have far more respect for the military in Thailand than I do most politicians though I think the current government is doing a good job given the destabilizing efforts of their opponents.

And Thailand might be in much better shape if the leaders of the 2006 coup had not allowed themselves to be rushed into a new constitution and elections by Western powers, who they should have told where to go.

Just my two-baht, not worth more than anyone else's two-baht. But democracy as it is practiced in the West is very much an illusion, a front for the corporate powers that run everything. Quite frankly, I think the military or an alliance of politicians and the military would run things far better than democracy purchased by the highest bidder. I know this view is not popular with many, but I don't see any reason to praise or strive for "democracy." I hope that General Prayuth proves himself to be a good leader when he replaces General Anupong.

Unfortunately going way back over the past 80 years or so the Thai military has proven when it comes to graft they're up there with the best of 'em. Plus of course the penchant for gunning down their fellow countrymen who have the temerity to disagree with them. The army here aren't accountable for their actions when there's a "checks and balances" government at the helm so God help everybody if they hold the reins.

A military government in another country. Hmm. There's a thought.

A military government in Thailand. No thanks.

I'd rather have Thailand strive for democracy until judgment day than have those lot in charge. In my humble opinion they're like their brethren of the past but in a shinier "internet/24hour news generation" suit.

[jamesjdaly]

the other end of the opposition spectrum, a powerful Pheu Thai Party clique - led by Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Chalerm Yoobamrung - has portrayed Prayuth in a different light, harbouring hope of wooing him as an ally.

This sewer rat has surfaced again. Watch out!!

[animatic]

harbouring hope of wooing him as an ally.

Right they have hope.

But that doesn't mean they CAN get him as an ally.

In a sinking ship any harbour, even in enemy territory

is STILL a better choice than going down with the ship.

But few ever quibble if the Captain who drove his ship

onto the rocks, also goes down with it, for his ineptitude.

[zzaa09]

Why does Thailand have to be a democracy? My experience has long been that "democracy" is the true opiate of the masses, and exists few if any places. Just because people vote and have a constitution does not make it a democracy. Maybe I am jaded by the back and forth pendulum swings of US politics (though seems to occur in a lot of other Western "democracies" as well).

If it were a Western-style democracy would China be the economic and military power that it is emerging as in the 21st century? Perhaps the influence here of the military in politics is not a bad thing, perhaps that would bring the stability that Thailand needs. I have far more respect for the military in Thailand than I do most politicians though I think the current government is doing a good job given the destabilizing efforts of their opponents.

And Thailand might be in much better shape if the leaders of the 2006 coup had not allowed themselves to be rushed into a new constitution and elections by Western powers, who they should have told where to go.

Just my two-baht, not worth more than anyone else's two-baht. But democracy as it is practiced in the West is very much an illusion, a front for the corporate powers that run everything. Quite frankly, I think the military or an alliance of politicians and the military would run things far better than democracy purchased by the highest bidder. I know this view is not popular with many, but I don't see any reason to praise or strive for "democracy." I hope that General Prayuth proves himself to be a good leader when he replaces General Anupong.

This is a refreshing quip. Falling on deaf ears, I reckon. Kudos!!!

[richard10365]

Are the people who design these political webs described in the opening post the same people who make Thai soap operas as well?

[Umassman]

Why does Thailand have to be a democracy? My experience has long been that "democracy" is the true opiate of the masses, and exists few if any places. Just because people vote and have a constitution does not make it a democracy. Maybe I am jaded by the back and forth pendulum swings of US politics (though seems to occur in a lot of other Western "democracies" as well).

If it were a Western-style democracy would China be the economic and military power that it is emerging as in the 21st century? Perhaps the influence here of the military in politics is not a bad thing, perhaps that would bring the stability that Thailand needs. I have far more respect for the military in Thailand than I do most politicians though I think the current government is doing a good job given the destabilizing efforts of their opponents.

And Thailand might be in much better shape if the leaders of the 2006 coup had not allowed themselves to be rushed into a new constitution and elections by Western powers, who they should have told where to go.

Just my two-baht, not worth more than anyone else's two-baht. But democracy as it is practiced in the West is very much an illusion, a front for the corporate powers that run everything. Quite frankly, I think the military or an alliance of politicians and the military would run things far better than democracy purchased by the highest bidder. I know this view is not popular with many, but I don't see any reason to praise or strive for "democracy." I hope that General Prayuth proves himself to be a good leader when he replaces General Anupong.

Well most government claim to be democracys.

To recall East Germany and Sovjet Union, Cuba had elections, just they had only 1 party

USA has only two almost identical parties.

Countries like Italy or Thailand have a lot of parties....but still they don't anything for the people.

Cute America has two parties plus many factions within. Just listen to USA news and you will see the differences. Second the only thing I have to say is any coupe is illegle and the banana republic type government we have here. Third the yellow morons closed down the airport and stopped Thai commerce for over a week.............. Does anyone truly understand what this says to any country? What is Heathrow/JFK/Hong Kong/ or Singapore had this happen? Firing squad for all please............................

[otherstuff1957]

Chalerm Yoobamrung -

This sewer rat has surfaced again. Watch out!!

Sewer rat sounds like a more accurate description than the next proxy PM of Thailand. However, the latter description might come true if the Thaksin-lovers hopes come true.

Personally I hope that Thaksin loses the court case and has lost so much of the rest of his money that he will be unable to continue funding the reds in Thailand. If that happens, opportunistic thugs like Chalerm will probably jump ship. A post-Thaksin, post-Chalerm Red movement could lead to some positive changes in Thailand.

But I'm not really optimistic that such a thing will happen.

[jdrake72]

Why does Thailand have to be a democracy? My experience has long been that "democracy" is the true opiate of the masses, and exists few if any places. Just because people vote and have a constitution does not make it a democracy. Maybe I am jaded by the back and forth pendulum swings of US politics (though seems to occur in a lot of other Western "democracies" as well).

If it were a Western-style democracy would China be the economic and military power that it is emerging as in the 21st century? Perhaps the influence here of the military in politics is not a bad thing, perhaps that would bring the stability that Thailand needs. I have far more respect for the military in Thailand than I do most politicians though I think the current government is doing a good job given the destabilizing efforts of their opponents.

And Thailand might be in much better shape if the leaders of the 2006 coup had not allowed themselves to be rushed into a new constitution and elections by Western powers, who they should have told where to go.

Just my two-baht, not worth more than anyone else's two-baht. But democracy as it is practiced in the West is very much an illusion, a front for the corporate powers that run everything. Quite frankly, I think the military or an alliance of politicians and the military would run things far better than democracy purchased by the highest bidder. I know this view is not popular with many, but I don't see any reason to praise or strive for "democracy." I hope that General Prayuth proves himself to be a good leader when he replaces General Anupong.

Is that ignorance or hipocrisy ?

China is a superpower by exploiting hundreds of million of people like slaves with no rights whatsoever.

Superpower in human rights violations first of all.

You enjoy your golden pension here thanks to the benefits of a western democratic country and spit on the dish where you eat from .

There can be flawed democracies all you want, but you realize how democracy and freedom are so precious only when they are taken away from you.

Democracy must be improved ,not throwed away in exchange of abominable murderer corrupted -military or civilian- rightist or leftist -dictatorships.

I notice that countries like South Korea and Taiwan or Chile or Slovenia (to look into other realities too) have made their best economic progress IN DEMOCRACY ...after their authoritarian rules fell, their economic progress have improved further. There is no fuc_king need of blood-thirsty overpowerful rulers . Up with democracy ever everywhere .!

Edited January 31, 2010 by jdrake72

[granuaile]

Is that ignorance or hipocrisy ?

China is a superpower by exploiting hundreds of million of people like slaves with no rights whatsoever.

Superpower in human rights violations first of all.

You enjoy your golden pension here thanks to the benefits of a western democratic country and spit on the dish where you eat from .

There can be flawed democracies all you want, but you realize how democracy and freedom are so precious only when they are taken away from you.

Democracy must be improved ,not throwed away in exchange of abominable murderer corrupted -military or civilian- rightist or leftist -dictatorships.

I notice that countries like South Korea and Taiwan or Chile or Slovenia (to look into other realities too) have made their best economic progress IN DEMOCRACY ...after their authoritarian rules fell, their economic progress have improved further. There is no fuc_king need of blood-thirsty overpowerful rulers . Up with democracy ever everywhere .!

Actually my pension is far from golden, it is fairly small and I am living on a (now) very small savings here. What little pension I have goes to obligations in the US except for the 5000 baht I use for spending money here. So fact is you don't know me, you don't know how I live, so you have no basis for your statement. Too, my pension is the result, and one of the fringes of working for 20 years in a job with few other meaningful fringes and was the thing that kept me there. It was one of the rewards for working there that I earned and paid tens of thousands of dollars into myself. It has nothing to do with democracy or non-democracy.

Biting the hand that feeds me? I said why should Thailand be a democracy? That isn't biting the hand that feeds me.

Bloodthirsty? The last coup here in Thailand was bloodless, and at least among the people I know generally supported. It was far from bloodthirsty and "overpowerful".

The fact that you find it necessary to use expletives and you make so many flawed general statements says far more about your pov than anything I could possibly say, but ultimate it is up to the people of Thailand and if there is a coup and the people generally support it the US and the West should mind their own business. Sorry I just bit that hand again.

[granuaile]

Cute America has two parties plus many factions within. Just listen to USA news and you will see the differences. Second the only thing I have to say is any coupe is illegle and the banana republic type government we have here. Third the yellow morons closed down the airport and stopped Thai commerce for over a week.............. Does anyone truly understand what this says to any country? What is Heathrow/JFK/Hong Kong/ or Singapore had this happen? Firing squad for all please............................

Two political parties that are controlled by the same corporate masters, Twiddle Dee and Twittle Dum. Two political parties thst from the perspective of most Americans really do little to differentiate themselves, other than that the Republicans built their power on jingoism, homophobia, and other similar issues. For me it is more the voting for the lesser of two bad things rather than a true difference of perpsective.

But this thread is about Thailand. The airport takeovers were a non-violent application of civil disobedience, unlike what occurred here in Bangkok last Songkran. A massive sit-in, where no one was killed, and so little damage done that my flight from Thailand in mid-December was on schedule. It is not for me to say whether it was right or wrong, but I know that the people complaining the most seemed to be the Westerners stranded here. Most of my friends here took little note of it other than out of concern for me. The airport takeover was a far-more understandable act than parking a gasoline truck in front of housing units and threatening to explode it or driving my a crowd of Bangkokians on motorcycles shooting guns and killing two locals opposing the Songkran rioters.

If actions speak louder than words, both the airport seizures and the Songkran riots speak loudly, but with different demeanors. And the outcomes speak even more loudly. Banana republic is a colorful slur, but really has no meaning - certainly one cannot compare either the coup leaders in 2006 or the currently-elected government (and it was elected, with many of those parties that once sided with the opposition switching their allegiances along with members of the opposition switching their support) to in any way being a banana republic.

[hammered]

the other end of the opposition spectrum, a powerful Pheu Thai Party clique - led by Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Chalerm Yoobamrung - has portrayed Prayuth in a different light, harbouring hope of wooing him as an ally.

This sewer rat has surfaced again. Watch out!!

Unlike some Chavalit and Chalerm have seen what Prayuth has done is shown the battalion commanders are with him. That is the guys who have operational control over the troops. It was alright for the red side to wheel out loads of old generals but they dont really have any clout and they certainly dont command any troops. It has also been a show of military unity that has swept away the red side attept to divide or at least sow doubt in the military.

With the poltical players incapable of delivering a winning blow the military remain crucial.

[ChiangMaiFun]

Cute America has two parties plus many factions within. Just listen to USA news and you will see the differences. Second the only thing I have to say is any coupe is illegle and the banana republic type government we have here. Third the yellow morons closed down the airport and stopped Thai commerce for over a week.............. Does anyone truly understand what this says to any country? What is Heathrow/JFK/Hong Kong/ or Singapore had this happen? Firing squad for all please............................

Two political parties that are controlled by the same corporate masters, Twiddle Dee and Twittle Dum. Two political parties thst from the perspective of most Americans really do little to differentiate themselves, other than that the Republicans built their power on jingoism, homophobia, and other similar issues. For me it is more the voting for the lesser of two bad things rather than a true difference of perpsective.

But this thread is about Thailand. The airport takeovers were a non-violent application of civil disobedience, unlike what occurred here in Bangkok last Songkran. A massive sit-in, where no one was killed, and so little damage done that my flight from Thailand in mid-December was on schedule. It is not for me to say whether it was right or wrong, but I know that the people complaining the most seemed to be the Westerners stranded here. Most of my friends here took little note of it other than out of concern for me. The airport takeover was a far-more understandable act than parking a gasoline truck in front of housing units and threatening to explode it or driving my a crowd of Bangkokians on motorcycles shooting guns and killing two locals opposing the Songkran rioters.

If actions speak louder than words, both the airport seizures and the Songkran riots speak loudly, but with different demeanors. And the outcomes speak even more loudly. Banana republic is a colorful slur, but really has no meaning - certainly one cannot compare either the coup leaders in 2006 or the currently-elected government (and it was elected, with many of those parties that once sided with the opposition switching their allegiances along with members of the opposition switching their support) to in any way being a banana republic.

But bananas are yellow right...?

[animatic]

...

Second the only thing I have to say is any coupe is illegle and the banana republic type government we have here. ...

.... Banana republic is a colorful slur, but really has no meaning - ..... to in any way being a banana republic.

But bananas are yellow right...?

Yellow is in the Sun, yellow as the color of honoring the kings day of birth.

Yellow is also butter, many flowers and a primary color used in all color creation.

It is many things besides bananas or slurs on people.