My first feeling after waking up last Monday and hearing about the military takeover in Myanmar is hard to explain, but it was certainly disappointing to see such a setback for Thailand’s next-door neighbour.
For many people, disappointment turned to anger in the afternoon of the same day. Myanmar expatriates who gathered outside their country’s embassy in Bangkok were joined by Thai pro-democracy activists who clashed with police.
Certainly, what is happening in Myanmar is a shame for its citizens, who had grown more hopeful about a transition to democracy. But we should not let events in other countries, regardless of how close a relationship Thailand has with them, lead to conflict on our own soil. I’m sure many Thais agree with this.
Senior figures across Southeast Asia were predictably cautious in their initial response to the coup. Thai Deputy Prime Minister…
