Well, two days after the above was published, things are hotting up in Thailand.

It appears the military has tightened its grip on the nation, seizing power in a bloodless coup. It has formally dissolved the government, suspended the constitution and dispersed groups of protesters from both sides of the country’s political divide who had gathered in Bangkok and raised fears of a violent showdown.

The powerful army chief announced the military takeover in a stunning statement broadcast on national television. It was followed by additional announcements, including a nationwide curfew from 10pm to 5am and an order for top government officials — including the ousted prime minister — to report immediately to the country’s new governing military commission. Long lines formed at the city’s elevated train and subway stations as panicked office workers tried to rush home before the curfew.

Let's hope this situation resolves itself peacefully soon. But certainly, one also hopes for an end to the chronic political instability this nation has endured on and off for so long now, once and for all. Something definite needs to happen here.