June 3, 2007:
In the south, nearly a thousand young Moslems demonstrated against the
presence of so many soldiers in the
south. The security forces have imposed a lot of movement restrictions, and are
often rough if they encounter any resistance. The military government is
apparently planning to impose even harsher measures in the south.
June 2, 2007:
The military government has ordered the former prime ministers party
disbanded, and banned former prime minister
Thaksin Shinawatra from participating in politics. In response, over
5,000 people demonstrated against the coup in the capital. Thaksin was very
popular, and would probably still win an election. But he offended many urban
groups and government employees, who conspired to oust him. Now the military
government has to try and run new elections that will not bring to power
politicians who will feel obliged to punish the coup organizers. May 31, 2007:
In the south, a roadside bomb killed twelve soldiers, and Islamic
militants killed five Moslems near a mosque that opposed terrorism. Another
four people were killed in attacks on non-Moslems in the south.
May 28, 2007:
Six small bombs that went off in southern tourist areas yesterday were
considered set by political, not Islamic militant, groups. Thirteen people were
injured, and the bombs were similar to those set off in the capital last
December. Australia, Canada, France and Japan have reacted by warning their
citizens to think twice about going to Thailand.
