In May 2010, Bangkok erupted in flames.  Some 91 Thai were killed, over 2,000 were  injured and 400 were arrested in a military crackdown resulting in  emergency rule after a nine week siege by the Red Shirts, a populist political movement consisting largely of farmers and factory workers from the country’s rural areas. They supported the ousted and exiled prime minister and former telecommunications magnate Thaksin Shinawatra. Although the opposition Yellow Shirts representing the Bangkok establishment and the Thai military regained control the government, large anti-government protests erupted in September, suggesting potential trouble ahead, especially since the country’s revered 82 year old King has been in the hospital for over a year.  Despite the turmoil and uncertainty, the country’s GDP rose 7.2{fe681502a50b39155a3ca75d1ea8a550fe0ee8275f6f89ef466f508ac0f80879} last year.

How is this possible and what comes next? Where is Thailand headed in the democratic scheme of things? How will the King’s looming demise affect the country’s politics and economy? What role will a less charismatic royal family play in Thailand’s political future?  Is Shinawatra’s political life over – or will he eventually return in triumph?  What are American long term interests in Thailand and how are they affected by the the past year’s political instability?  With major changes occurring in Burma, Viet Nam and Indonesia, what role does Thailand play in Southeast Asia? How safe is it to visit the “Land of Smiles” or even to transit through Bangkok’s airport?