The last Asean summit in Thailand was disrupted by thousands of red-shirted Thaksin supporters bent on the reinstatement of their deposed leader. This week they issued a formal request to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to cancel her attendance since the current Thai government came to power through a coup. Ms. Clinton has responded to this request by saying, “I will not accept a letter from a terrorist.”

The UDD supporters were miffed by this answer since they have been attempting to bring the present Foreign Minister up on charges of terrorism stemming from the PAD closure of Cobra Swamp airport. The situation warmed up in Chiang Mai when hundreds of red-shirts surrounded a police station after a sympathizing radio announcer was arrested in the Chiang Mai airport with a gun in the boot of his car.

When I first arrived in Thailand I loved the signs at hotels and restaurants NO GUNS OR GRENADES ALLOWED. I thought they were jokes, but was assured by everyone that the country was awash with weapons left over from the Viet-Nam War. Most were held by the minions of druglords, although I’ve seen plenty of guns in Thailand. The men are violent. Killers can be only 15 years old. I stay away from any sign of trouble with a fervor. It’s none of my business.

No charges have been filed at the moment against the radio broadcaster, but the police are ever vigilant against any attempt of Thaksin supports to seize control of an airport. An open door could be Thaksin’s entry into Thailand. His birthday is July 26 and men like him usually get themselves big birthday presents.