They worry that a false idea is spreading that coups are an answer to political crisis.

Park Eun-Hong, a political scientist at Sungkonghoe University and a close observer of Thai politics, said that while Thaksin Shinawatra was in power Thai intellectuals complained about populist policies enjoyed by rural and poor electorates. But Thailand's tacit acceptance of the coup helped spread a "good coup" ideology, or "military populism".

"It's a pity these intellectuals made a decision to join the interim government backed by the junta without considering the negative impact on other civil societies in Asia," said Park, referring to a number of prominent figures like Chulalongkorn University sociologist Surichai Wankaew, who recently accepted appointment to the National Legislative Assembly.

"Especially, I worry that the 'good coup' ideology may spread over nascent democracies in Asia."

Park knows Surichai personally and said he recognised the good intentions of these figures in trying to salvage democracy by joining the junta. "Nonetheless, if the interim government will not hear their voices they will have to withdraw support without delay."

Political scientist Sonn Ho-chul of Seoul's Songang University is less sympathetic to those who accepted the coup as a fait accompli.

"The recent military coup in Thailand shows the military is able to crush democracy at any time."

Others like Neng Magno, former lecturer of development studies at the University of the Philippines and a resident of Bangkok for the past four years, said activists who accepted the coup were short-sighted.

"They asked His Majesty the King to step in and support the coup because they said the people's movement could not [remove the Thaksin government]. I don't believe the solution to political problems is the monarchy or the military, but in recognising democratic institutions. Depending on the military or working with the military is very short-sighted."

Magno said Thailand's coup had become a model for the easy way out of a bad political situation. It was "not a good model for the region".

However, Malaysian political scientist Francis Loh at Universiti Sains Malaysia is more optimistic.

"I think the people will move against [the military if they fail to deliver reforms]. They must not overstay their welcome."

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

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