I was wondering why all the Thai restaurants around here were raising their prices by 50% since the weekend.
Figureheads with an enormous emotional hold on their country's populace - particularly in the countryside. The King has the stature to be a decisive figure in this episode - as he was in previous, similar episodes (most notably in 1992 when the PM of the time was forced to kiss his feet and apologise to the nation on live TV after Thai security forces killed 52 democracy protestors in a clampdown).
The problem is that Thaksin Shinawatra's support base is largely in the countryside. He's basically a Hugo Chavez with a capitalist bent. This is as much of a Bangkok v. Rest of the country situation. Not to mention they still have a muslim insurgency in the south. A bomb went off justa few days ago killing several people.
And apparently the coup leader is a veteran of this conflict,which may have something to do with all this.
FWIW, the king has asked for military orders to be respected. We at least see who the king backs or who controls the king right now. Stay tuned.
The King of course lacks the physical wherewithall to counteract a military initiative such as this. But it's safe to assume that even if he is not tacitly expressing support of this initiative, he is intent on ensuring the populace remain calm and no potential counterfactions cause a ruckus.
Good point. In the end, he may care for his people, but he also needs to save his own job. Afterall, he is only king for life.
Yeah, but I'd say the king is quite safe. In Thailand people really love and respect their king. People will give their lives for the king. To go against him would be suicidal for anybody who aspires to have power. The coup leaders need the king's support in order for their plans to succeed.