New commander-in-chief General Anupong announced troop increase in south (from 18 to 33 battalions), where violence spiked early in month. Army freed several hundred detainees arrested in southern “sweeping operations” and held in “Occupation Training Camps” after courts rejected detentions as arbitrary.

First coordinated bombings in South since government sweep operations began in June hit parts of Narthiwat 1 October. In Bangkok, new army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda ordered military reshuffle 4 October. Cabinet endorsed watered down version of national security bill 16 October; bill still gives sweeping search and detention powers to Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), but with PM at head not armed forces chief.

1 year after ousting former PM Thaksin, coup leader Gen. Sonthi retired from armed forces 30 September; expected to officially assume post of deputy prime minister in small cabinet reshuffle. Gen. Anupong Paochinda named new army chief. Steady violence continued in south. Government sweeps there have detained some 2000 suspects since late June.

New constitution, 18th since 1932 end to absolute monarchy, approved in 19 August referendum. 57% support paved way to 23 December general elections. Vote revealed support for charter weakest in former PM Thaksin strongholds of North and Northeast. Turnout relatively low at 58% as around half of country under martial law and no-vote campaigners intimidated and arrested. Supreme Court issued arrest warrants for Thaksin and wife 14 August; extradition proceedings expected if they fail to show for 25 September hearing. In South, insurgent attacks continued; at least 2 civilians, 1 soldier and 1 rebel reported killed.

Communal relations remained tense in south. Government stepped up arrests and foot patrols in response to June violence. Military-backed commission approved draft constitution 6 July, will submit to national referendum 19 August. Supreme Court agreed to hear corruption and abuse of power charges against former PM Thaksin Shinawatra 14 August; he refused to return to Bangkok for trial and government froze additional $16.4 million assets believed to be controlled by him. National Legislative Assembly began debate 16 July on controversial internal security bill that would institutionalise role of military in politics, but bill withdrawn for further revision same day. Ban on formation of new political parties lifted 18 July. Anti-coup protests continued: several thousand Thaksin supporters clashed with police 22 July.

Violence continued unabated in restive south; coup leader Sonthi claimed insurgency “never more deadly”. Killing of 4 Buddhist teachers prompted indefinite closure of several schools 11 June. Over 500 Muslim protesters blocked road in Raman, Yala 13 June accusing Thai security forces of murder of local Muslim religious teacher. Bomb killed district chief (most senior civilian official killed in conflict) and 2 soldiers 19 June. Political crisis continued in Bangkok: ousted PM Thaksin supporters and pro-democracy activists held nightly protests but numbers dropped significantly by month-end. Political parties allowed to resume activity 5 June although ban on formation of new parties remains, preventing re-formation of Thaksin’s disbanded Thai Rak Thai. Coup leaders demanded Thaksin return to Thailand to face corruption charges after family accounts worth US$1.6bn frozen 11 June.

Violence continued in the south with continued militant attacks on civilians, police and military forces. Mass protest by Muslim villagers over martial law detentions shut down Betong-Yala road for over a week from 3 May; Buddhist residents held 3-day counter-protest 6 May. Anti- government protests continued in Bangkok, where 3 radio stations broadcast messages by deposed PM Thaksin; 1 subsequently shut down. Constitutional Tribunal announced verdicts on electoral malfeasance cases 30 May: Democrat Party acquitted, 2 members of Thaksin’s Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party found guilty. TRT dissolved and all 111 party executives banned from politics for 5 years. 200 TRT supporters protested on night of decision, 3,000 next day. Draft constitution still under discussion by cabinet ahead of national referendum scheduled for September.

Situation in south remained volatile: month included burning of Buddhist woman in Yala, shooting by soldiers of 3 Muslim youths. Confidence in interim government continued to fall as disparate political groups held rallies criticising government. First draft of new constitution completed 17 April; many points of contention ahead of September referendum, including provisions giving coup leaders amnesty.

Continued insecurity in south, but government reasserted commitment to “peaceful approach”. 8 Buddhist civilians killed in Yala province 14 March prompted imposition of night-time curfew. PM Surayud rejected calls by army chief and coup leader Sonthi for state of emergency in response to pro-Thaksin protests, but pledged to hold December elections.

New wave of violence in south on night of Lunar New Year 18 February: string of over 70 attacks hit 4 southern provinces causing significant damage to economic infrastructure. Government said still committed to policy of reconciliation, which PM Chulanont called top political priority while admitting not enough had been done to quell insurgency. Surprise resignation of finance minister 28 February.