The question is whether the military would go along with such a game plan. The latest military reshuffle, signed by Samak on Tuesday, has further strengthened Gen Anupong Paochinda, the Army chief, as the most powerful figure in Thailand. Whichever side he picks, that party will win in this power play. But at the moment, it’s too hard to read his mind yet.

– Extracted from Thanong Khanthong, “Army chief holds the trump card”, The Nation, 28 August 2008.