Thailand's political factions struggle to gain military influence
BANGKOK -- Thailand's old political rivals are again firing salvos in their decades-old power struggle, this time over military promotions scheduled for July. The battle pits the royalist-military faction against the Pheu Thai party, founded by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Their gamesmanship could determine whether one side gains some influence over the military, a crucial ingredient in governing a country that has experienced 19 coups or attempted coups since 1932.