So, Thailand's "martial law" has turned out to be a coup after all, with the military arresting politicians, shutting down the media, and banning public gatherings. Supposedly, this is to "restore order' "for society to love and be at peace again", but the natural suspicion is that it is to do away with democracy in support of Thailand's urban elite - just like last time.
It won't work. The divisions in Thai society will not be removed by top-down repression. They can only be managed by all sides respecting democratic outcomes and the limits of government - something the anti-democratic opposition simply will not do.
In the meantime, its another potent reminder of why large militaries are a standing danger to democracy, and why sensible democracies do not have them.