For decades, the monarchy and the military had cooperated closely to create a political environment in which governments must be kept weak and vulnerable. Should governments appear
Securing peace in southern Thailand
challenging or threatening, as Thaksin Shinawatra’s did, they were to be overthrown in a coup.
But the authoritative era of King Bhumibol is coming to an end. The looming departure of Bhumibol has elevated anxiety levels among the traditional elites, of which the military is a part. This has driven the military to intervene in politics at this critical period. It aims to manage the royal succession to defend the interests of the old elites. Failing that, should the military be forced to step aside from politics — either by domestic or international pressure — it aims to ensure that the political infrastructure it leaves behind can be used to maintain the military’s political position.