What is going on in Thailand?

Question

In the news thailand is being seized by the government?? I don't understand. Please explain.

What is a coup?

Answer 1

A coup is short for coup d'etat, a french term that literally translated means "blow (or stroke) to the state." In less literal translation, it means to overthrow the government. There are two types of coups, one of which is a "bloodless coup," where as it would indicate, no violence is necessary. Some people refer to the ascension of George Bush to the presidency in 2000 (and some say in 2004 also) was a bloodless coup - in other words, they believe that through political machinations, he was able to overthrow the will of the people to gain power, although no violence was necessary to do this. A coup usually replaces just the top figures of the government and does not change the entire governmental structure - that would be a revolution.

Apparently in Thailand, the PM is under heavy criticism and is accused of corruption. It seems that there is a big economic disparity between his supporters and detractors - he was voted in after gaining much of his support from the rural poor but he was unable to convince the wealthy in the nation that he was good for the country. Sounds like politics as usual, sort of. I'm afraid that as of right now there's no "right or wrong" answer as to whether this move is in the best interests of the country.

Here is a good site on coups.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coup_d'%C3%A9tat

Answer 2

When my wife finally stopped singing and dancing around with our son at 7.45am this morning, she shouted out "Damn good!"
a) few people outside Thailand really know how Taksin has so cleverly usurped, benefitted from financial corruption instead of tackling it, bought up enormous tracts of his own country in areas of future development, bought foreign homes while barring foreigners from doing the same here, sued every major media outlet that criticised him and done NOTHING for the poor, and especially the hilltribes. Smiled at foreigners while restricting visas even further and pursuing policies which may ultimately be seen to be xenophobic. Full of promises and no delivery. Even his home city Chiangmai has waited a year in vain for his promised 53m baht to tackle flooding.
b) yes, he was democratically elected. The second time. Like another western premier we could name. At the first one he bought his way in with the "million baht per village" offer. That turned out to be a loan, not a gift of course, but it did the trick. Literally!
c) In my personal view this bloodless coup would not have taken place so smoothly, if at all, without the tacit consent of His Majesty. Maybe the writing was on the wall days ago? It is reported that Taksin took his whole family to the UN conference - unprecedented.
d) Dancing in the streets? Well there should be wherever thinking people are to be found (ie mainly in Bangkok). What we have in the streets here are lots of armoured personnel carriers and soldiers with rifles slung, looking a little bored and confused. But they don't mind having their photos taken as I proved on the way into the office this morning. Not allowed to talk, though, and many don't know what is happening.
e) Next? One of many responsible comments by General Sonthi was that the army would not hang on to power for very long. A coalition government, maybe with the promising young Democrat Abhisit to the fore, could be great!
f) We live in quite exciting times, but feel totally safe and very curious about the spin-off effects. Prayerfully this can only be good for Thailand!

Answer 3

The military has taken over the government and declared martial law. Bangkok is having bombing going on right now. It is a very unstable place right now. That is all I know for now. Sorry. From what I know a coup is a hostile takeover of a government.

Answer 4

The military are staging a coup, to overthrow the government.
Found a news link for you -

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/09/19/news/thai.php

Answer 5

the muslims took over