Some of you may have noticed that I don't say much about politics in the "Life in Thailand" section of my journal.  That's partly because, even after nearly 20 years, I can't say I understand the complex structures of money and patronage that seems to run this country, and partly because it generally has nothing to do with travel, tourism or understanding the rest of Thailand.  Like just about everywhere else, politicians are a different breed of people, practically a different species.

But I can't let the events of Tuesday night go by without saying anything.  First and foremost, if you had plans to visit Thailand in the near future, there is absolutely no reason to cancel them.  Things are already pretty much back to normal, and there is no reason they won't be completely back to the way they were within a week or two.  People generally seem to be relieved that "something" has finally given and are happily trying to get on with their lives.

Why did it happen?  Well, that's complicated and I can't say I know for certain.  In a very general sense, while Thais sort of expect their politicians to be greedy and corrupt, they also expect a certain amount of "equality" about it all.  While it's "natural" for rich people to lie, cheat and steal to get even richer, they shouldn't prevent other people from doing the same thing.  It seems that the former prime minister got a little too greedy, and then comitted the ultimate sin of trying to mess with the balance of power in the military.

So, the army did what it's done for the last 75 years and stepped in to restore the balance of power.  It's the way they do things here, and "Life in Thailand" goes on with barely a notice.