Thailand In Turmoil
Actually, It Is a Coup

After first saying that the military had not declared a coup, Thailand’s army chief backtracked and now says it has. He insists that it was “necessary” to take control, and by most accounts, there is very little disagreement with the decision.

Thailand In Turmoil
Royalists Oust Shinawatra in Judicial Coup

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has booted the prime minister from office, deciding an important battle in favor of Thailand’s opposition. But the war is far from over.

Thailand In Turmoil
Protest Rallies Erupt in Bangkok as PM Clings to Power

As two courts mull cases that could throw the Prime Minister out of office, Bangkok is again on the edge. The prospect of history repeating itself is dangerously likely.

Thailand In Turmoil
Rebel Bomb Attacks in Southern Thailand

A series of car bomb explosions in southern Thailand are a sign of worsening rebel activity in the area. Meanwhile, Bangkok is distracted by a worsening political crisis.

Thailand In Turmoil
Court Moves to Impeach Thai PM Over Rice Scheme

Enemies of Thailand’s Prime Minister are preparing to impeach her over the government’s allegedly corrupt and ruinously expensive rice subsidy program. But the PM’s supporters won’t let her go without a fight.

Thailand In Turmoil
Thailand Lifts State of Emergency But Crisis Goes On

Who will succeed the widely beloved, aging King of Thailand? Can anyone claim his outsized legacy? The future of the country is at stake.

Thailand In Turmoil
China Lurking in Background of Thailand’s Crisis

The protestors were marching past a university in central Bangkok toward the opposition leaders’ main rabble-rousing stage when the grenade exploded. 36 injured people were rushed to nearby hospitals. Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban was in the crowd but unhurt. Minutes later, on stage, Suthep railed against the government agents he says were responsible for the attack: “We are not afraid and we will fight on,” he thundered.

Thailand In Turmoil
Bangkok Shut Down

Tens of thousands of protesters who took to the streets of Bangkok today to put pressure on Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra were largely unopposed by government forces. Mainstream coverage of the story is a bit garbled, but The Diplomat has a comprehensive look at the situation that is well worth your time.

Thailand In Turmoil
Are the Farmers Turning?

Even though the government promised it would pay a good price for his rice, Mana Nutchyoo hasn’t seen half the money. “It’s in the system,” he said hopefully, held up by the turmoil sparked by opposition protests in Bangkok, 90 minutes to the south. But even if the political crisis eases, Nutchyoo may never see the rest of the money: the government is having serious trouble funding its rice-buying scheme and other pro-poor subsidies. If the fiscal crisis worsens the “Red Shirts” could end up turning on their government patrons.

Thailand In Turmoil
The Government’s Secret Weapon?

After days of mounting protests, and just before thousands of peaceful demonstrators occupied the grounds around her empty and forlorn office, Thailand’s prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra finally gave in: she announced she would dissolve the lower house of parliament and hold a new election in early February. Is this a win for the protestors or the government’s trump card?

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