Thaksin caused last two coups, may do it again
Much has been discussed in the international media, and among academics, as to why military coups should happen in Thailand in the 21th Century.
The fact is: The coup in 1991 that led to the bloody “Black May” uprising in 1992 by pro-democracy demonstrators in Bangkok, which forced the junta government led by Suchinda Kraprayoon to step down – was considered by most Thais as the last coup that the country would have. There was no reason for us to tolerate coups any more.
However, when Thaksin Shinawatra became premier in 2001, he did many things that caused many Thais to believe could lead to divisiveness, or even civil war, in the country.
Once in office, Thaksin appointed his cousin as army chief by way of bypassing other more suitable contenders; he breached many long-practised protocols that caused people to suspect that he intended to use the Thai military to serve him and his family rather than the country and its other traditional institutions.
Most of the current anti-Thaksin groups in Thailand consist of people who stood up against the military junta in 1992. Hence, it should suffice to say that Thaksin invited the 2006 and 2014 coups to happen in Thailand. And he may do it again. And that is the fact that the international media and academics should realise.
Vint Chavala
