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His trip to Thailand came amid heavy coup rumours. Two years ago, a bloodless coup ousted the government under the leadership of Thaksin Shinawatra. Thailand has had great difficulties with the US despite the excellent relationship between the two countries developed since the beginning of the Cold War in the 1950s. At that time their common struggle against communism was top of their bilateral agenda. However, these days, the importance of Thai relations with the US is of less significance when compared to Japan and China.

Some of the Thai military leaders did not like Gates' "ultimatum" or his patronising attitude. One senior general said it was "none of the US's business. Thailand is a sovereign country. Whatever we choose to do with our country is our own affair," he said.

Thailand is no longer a large recipient of US aid as it was before. In fact, US aid to Thailand is "peanuts" in comparison to what it is receiving from other countries such as Japan and China.

The US leaders should realise by now that whatever transpires inside Thailand is up to the Thais to decide, not the US. The critics said that even if, in the end, the Thai army stages another coup, it should not be a cause for concern for any other country in the region, let alone the US.

Each year, Thailand and the US conduct a joint military exercise in the provinces to acquaint Thai and American counterparts with new military hardware and equipment. US troops benefit from exercises in tropical terrain and other new experiences.

It is obvious that Thai-US military relations have always suffered whenever there is a coup. Last time round the US immediately condemned the coup and severed its military assistance programmes, most of them related to military training.

Unlike the US, China pursued a softer approach without criticising Thailand for the 2006 coup. Indeed, Beijing continues its business-as-usual attitude with Thailand, and visits by top Chinese officials carry on as before.

Given the volatile situation in Thai politics, anything could happen in the next few weeks. The current political impasse is due mainly to the ruling People Power Party's attempt to amend the constitution to benefit former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. With the People's Alliance for Democracy continuing its rallies, the chance for quiet politicking is now over.

Don't blink or you may miss something.