Army stays on sidelines as Thai political system cracks

摘要

The latest wave of protests in Thailand has served to underscore the central role of the Royal Thai Army (RTA) in the kingdom's now dangerously fractured political arena. Even as the traditionally influential role of the monarchy declines in the twilight of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's reign, the current crisis has seen the RTA emerge as both central political arbiter and ultimate guarantor of stability in a country in danger of descending into civil conflict.