whats this thai coup about?

Answer 1

The current Coup in Thailand resulted in the exile of the now Ex-Prime Minister Taksin. The leaders of the Arm Forces came out and mobilized their force at strategic locations mostly in Bangkok. The new General in charge is Sonthi who abolishes the constitution and enforces the martial law. The coup was justified to stop the political fight between Taksin and the anti-Taksin allies. Taksin was accused of corruption, nepotism and being dishonest as well as selfish. He was never found guilty by the court. However, the court of opinion is strong enough that people are willing to forgo the democratic way of solving the problem (such as by election). Thai people are more used to coup because there were many in the past even though the previous one was 15 years ago. The administrative branch in Thailand is apparently too strong for the Justice system. People were either not willing or had enough faith in the court or judicial system to prosecute Taksin, his family or his friends. However, his son was found guilty and had to pay a fine for stock handling.
The King is in general above the politics, however he was quoted by the Coup leader to support this change. This is crucial because the King is so respected and loved in Thailand. His apparent approval does keep the peace and stop the Pro-Taksin’s people from fighting back. The situation needs to be monitored closely. The new leaders promise a constitution of some forms and new civilian government in 2 weeks and new election in one year. Much will be learned when the deadline comes. Will the new leaders allow free speech and press? Are they intending to not holding on to the power? Will the new constitution have provisions to prevent corruption and nepotism, make it possible to impeach or fairly investigate the people in power or even prevent future coup?
As a side note, General Sonthi is a muslim, however, this is not an Al queida or Islamic extremists’ taking over of Thailand. Despite Buddhism majority in Thailand, people of other faiths and even women do have equal rights in most cases. It is a land of conflict and contrast as well as unique like a Thai Way.

Answer 2

The word is coup d'etat and means there is an attempted takeover of the sitting government by another group of people by using military assistance.

Answer 3

Go to Google
Tyoe in: "Breaking News - Thailand coup"
Hit "Search" key
Numerous sites

Answer 4

I just heard about it...All I know is that the military and national police have the capital pretty well on shut down..telling citizens that all will be okay. There's more to it, of course...