Mr Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party says the generals are actually courting trouble, as an excuse to cling to power.

ECONOMIST: Now the hot season really begins

Last month, Mr Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party lost two by-elections, giving the opposition enough seats to table censure motions against ministers.

ECONOMIST: Thailand

By contrast, Mr Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party was the first party ever in Thailand to run on a platform of reform policies, which in large measure explains why he won so resoundingly.

ECONOMIST: Reform schools