Autumn in Thailand is coup season. Three years ago the prime minister at the time, Thaksin Shinawatra, flew to New York for the United Nations General Assembly as rumours circulated in Bangkok of a plot against him. His army chief denied them. On September 19th 2006 he seized power. As he sets off for this year's un meetings, the current prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, will be hoping that history does not repeat itself. Since Mr Thaksin's ousting, Thailand has been convulsed by political fighting. The army has played a decisive role, even after it donned a figleaf of civilian rule. Few expect the generals to go back to their barracks soon.
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