Thailand: Military Coup, Terror Bombings in South, Visa Changes

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | September 19th, 2006 | Trackback

The military staged a bloodless coup without firing a shot Sept. 19, taking control of the government and declaring martial law while embattled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was in New York at the U.N. The coup leaders have the support of the king and have vowed to return power to civilians. Apart from tanks surrounding government buildings in Bangkok, life in Thailand seemed to be carrying on normally. It is too early to tell what will happen, but protests appear to be unlikely because a majority of Thais consider Thaksin to be corrupt. Large demonstrations demanding his resignation have occurred in recent months, and the coup appears to be welcomed by many Thais.

Ongoing terrorist attacks in the south claimed their first Western victim Sept. 16 when a Canadian was killed in Hat Yai. Five simultaneous bombings occurred in tourist spots in Hat Yai’s business district, killing four and wounding 69, many seriously. Most of the trouble has occurred in Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala provinces, but these bombings suggest the extremists may be expanding their attacks outside the area.

In other news, revised visa rules to take effect Oct. 1 allow tourists from 41 countries including most European countries, some Asian countries, Canada and the U.S. to remain in Thailand for 30 days without a visa, renewable twice for a total of 90 days. After a 90-day stay tourists must leave Thailand for 90 days before returning.

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