On September 19 of 2006, the thai military led by their general carried out a military coup overthrowing the regime of the former prime minister. The coup was to propel thailand towards a true democracy, though one year later, little progress has been made. Democratic elections have been set for this december, and are expected to be carried out as scheduled. Supporters believe that once the elections have been held, stability can be returned to the country. Since the coup, economic problems have grown, with factories closing and unemployment increasing. Violence in southern thailand has also increased. The Bangkok post cites the increase in killings of non-combatants, whereas prior to the coup targets were limited to security officers, government officials and buddhists. (If you were unaware, as i was before i entered thai borders, southern thailand is involved in an informal civil war in which thai islamic fundamentalists are attempting to take over southern thailand under islamic rule) Stopping this violence, as one can imagine, is a primary focus of the dishevelled thai government at this time.