Posted on 09/25/2006 9:19:56 AM PDT by presidio9
Thai soldiers presented the smiling face of the military coup, posing for photographs with hands held high in mock surrender in an apparent charm offensive by their leaders.
Thai media reported that troops had been told to "keep smiling," and newspapers were filled with pictures of soldiers demonstrating weaponry to curious crowds.
Troops handed over their berets and guns to locals as schoolchildren gathered to peer into their tanks on their way to school, according to news reports.
The Bangkok Post said coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin and an army radio programme had both urged the troops to smile to help the image of the country's new military leadership.
It carried a front page photograph of four smiling female military police outside the junta headquarters -- saying the mood had lightened since they replaced their male counterparts.
The coup late Tuesday passed off without violence and people living in Bangkok have given food and flowers to soldiers posted around the capital.
A small demonstration on Friday against the coup attracted some 100 people and broke up peacefully.
"There is no need to tell them to smile or be friendly because military are part of the people," said Lieutenant General Palangoon Klaharn, spokesman for the junta. "After finishing doing their duty they are back to living as normal Thai people."
The junta has curbed media, restricted public gatherings and imposed martial law after deposing premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
A girl has her photograph taken with Thai soldiers in front of a tank in Bangkok. Thai media reported that troops had been told to "keep smiling," and newspapers were filled with pictures of soldiers demonstrating weaponry to curious crowds.(AFP/INDRANIL MUKHERJEE)
(subtitle: Cute Thai Girl Alert!)
Thailand?
(Sorry, couldn't resist)
The Thai obsession with photos amazes me. At a funeral, I was asked to take photos and make copies for all the relatives. I was somewhat taken back but I complied with the request. Since then, at every funeral I have attended, someone was taking pictures. There is really nothing wrong with the practice, it just is different from what I was raised with.
I dealt with their navy sometimes in regard to mail transfers and noticed how smiley they always seemed to be. Their sailors held hands with each other as well, not that there is anything wrong with that...I guess?
I find your ideas intriguing and wish to subscribe to your newsletter.
Not a bad idea...
That's...um...sweet?
Neil Bush? Is that you?
who can help but smile a lot when your in a country with as many beautiful women as Thailand.
I have a fereling she will make happy ending :-)
I'll let you know when it's ready. It'll be on the next incarnation of my website.
Years ago, I was in a Thai bank in a remote area, so they had a Thai soldier in there with a H&K G3, I believe it was. When I admired the gun, he handed it over to me so I could check it out. In the refugee camp where I worked for awhile, the Thai soldiers always wanted to drink with us and make conversation.
I was once stopped by Police at a highway checkpoint just so they could chat with me awhile. They didn't care that I didn't have a license plate on the bike. Probably not like that anymore...
<< Who can help but smile a lot when your in a country with as many beautiful women as Thailand. >>
Not me!
(Where you at Khun Jim? And sabai de mai khrap? -- I'm back home at my CM moo baan. -- and am smiling)
We should be back in Chiang Mai by the end of October. Pom pai sabai -- Kaeng hak. I busted up the bones just below the knee pretty good. We will visit in Nakorn Prathom some first. We have been away since February -- too long.
Pray and trust we'll be able to break some bread this time. Very sad to have not gotten to see you when I was at home. Spent way to long in LA, only two weeks at Tahoe/Reno -- and never did make it up to my Washington place. Please be safe and well.
Best ones - Brian
I have a few friends from Lopburi who want to come down to BKK and kick this guys ass. In the Thai Army, red berets are for use by Special Forces only. There are a few of these guys wearing them when they should have black berets on.
The little one in the back looks like a spinner.
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