Gripped by simmering cross-border tensions, a dysfunctional democracy and collective unease over the health of the monarchy, Thailand has seen its status as a major power in Southeast Asia and its influence in the wider region cast under a harsh light recently.
The most recent political shockwaves to roll through the Bangkok establishment emanated from ousted Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra, who having fled a jail term for corruption, continues to goad his enemies from exile -- this time by accepting a job offer from the Cambodian government as an economic adviser.
At a carefully stage-managed press conference last week, with the rest of the region looking on, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen refused an extradition request from Bangkok authorities for Thaksin, offered him a home and a job, and hailed him as a great friend and economist.