The tanks surrounding Government House and the declaration of a state of emergency were the first unmistakable signs in Bangkok of an attempted coup. Despite their alarm, few Thais will be surprised: Thaksin Shinawatra, the headstrong and heavy-handed Prime Minister, has many enemies, has mishandled the Muslim insurgency in the south and has been politically discredited by holding an election in April that was largely boycotted by the Opposition and subsequently annulled. The army appears to have taken advantage of his absence in New York at the United Nations to try to force him out before the next election, rescheduled for November. Plotting has been rife for weeks.

There are two issues fuelling the current unrest in Thailand: allegations of widespread corruption by Mr Thaksin, his family and his cronies; and the Muslim rebellion in the three southernmost provinces that has turned a separatist movement into a full military confrontation, with bloody clashes and the threat of Islamist terrorism. Mr Thaksin’s handling of both has been lamentable. But that does not justify an illegal attempt to force him from power. The army must return to barracks immediately.

Though 15 years have passed since the previous coup, Thailand has a history of political instability. It has often only been the personal intervention of the revered and long-serving King that has averted bloodier clashes or political deadlock. Army meddling remains an ever present threat; but the corruption and incompetence of politicians have hindered what ought otherwise to be a sound economy and bright future. The Thai people deserve better.