Updates on the situation in Thailand

Well, after a rather uncanny evening, the morning sun brings relaxation in this part of the country. I drove some teammates down to a pier this morning for a two day visit to the Phi Phi Islands and nothing about the drive was unusual. There were mopeds screaming in and out of traffic, kids running & playing in their uniforms, merchants set up on every street corner, and lots of smiling faces. The Prime Minister is still in the US according to reports, so continue praying for what will happen when he makes his return to the country that is no longer his to rule.

A few quotes from different news sources:

CNN: Some Thais gathered outside Government House in Bangkok to get pictures of themselves with the tanks and troops, AP reported. The coup caused little stir in Bangkok's popular tourist districts, where foreigners packed beer bars and cabarets just a few miles from where the tanks were posted, AP reported.

BBC: Army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin said in a TV address that the coup was necessary to unite the country. The military had no intention of holding onto power, he added.

BBC: Political gatherings of more than five people have been banned, while state TV has reportedly announced restrictions on domestic and foreign media. "We have seized power. The constitution, the senate, the house of representatives, the cabinet and the constitutional court have all been terminated," he said.

AlJazeera: Thais who trickled out onto the capital's streets overnight appeared to welcome the surprise turn of events as a necessary climax to months of demands for Thaksin to resign amid allegations of corruption, electoral irregularities and a worsening Muslim insurgency. Many people were surprised, but few in Bangkok seemed disappointed.