Thaksin's Asia Whirl

After weeks of lying low in London, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is back in Asia as a private citizen following his Sept. 19 ouster by a military coup. So far he has been spotted riding horses in Beijing, shopping in Hong Kong and golfing in Bali. Where to next? Anywhere but Thailand, where Interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said on Nov. 12 that Thaksin should stay away for another year, until after elections are held under a new constitution.

Out of sight isn't out of mind. Thaksin's presence in the neighborhood worries Thai generals, who fear...