Martial Law in Thailand

First heard that martial law was in force in Thailand over the radio while driving yesterday. Then I saw George Yeo post that Thailand has moved back to square one.

I believe I had an earlier post which I worry that Thailand might descend into civil war. With the imposition of martial law that risk has diminished.

Like the Egyptian armed forces chief, the Thai one will soon face the daily temptation to seize greater power. What Henry Kissinger said about power being the greatest aphrodisiac has more than a grain of truth. But if the military chief is a man of sterling character and a good soldier he would not. His job is to buy time and press the opposing parties to negotiate and find common ground to compromise. Democracy is about compromise and letting live. If the Thais cannot do that, they give up the right to democracy. Then who owns the guns will run the place or there is just chaos.

So it is martial law in Thailand now. Will it become military rule in the end? Looking further, if the Thais fail the Burmese must also worry. It could be back to the future for them too.