THAILAND: The Outer Shell and the Snail

"We like democracy. Soldiers like democracy. Everyone likes democracy."

—Thai Army Secretary Kriengsak Chamanan

Less than a month after it ousted the fractious democratic government of Prime Minister Seni Pramoj, the Thai military's 24-man National Administrative Reform Council (NARC) formally turned over the reins of authority to a civilian Cabinet. In ceremonies presided over by King Bhumipol Adulyadej, NARC'S nominal chief, Admiral Sangad Chaloryu, even bade an official farewell to the nation as a new civilian Prime Minister, Tanin Kraivixien, 49, was sworn in. A former justice of the Thai Supreme Court, Tanin announced that Thailand would be "guided" by stages back...

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