Thailand Abhors a Vacuum

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Addressing a gathering of judges recently, Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej aptly summed up his country's political deadlock: "It's a mess." After a Thai court annulled the disputed April 2 election two weeks ago, Thailand's Election Commission called for new polls in October. But infighting between the courts and election commissioners could push back the vote further, and the next government will likely amend the constitution to ensure such a crisis never happens again—prompting yet another election. In the end, it could be a year or longer before Thailand gets back to business as usual.

The biggest question remains the role of Thaksin Shinawatra, who defused massive public protests after he agreed to step down as Prime Minister following April's vote. Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon tells TIME that Thaksin is very much in the charge. "He took a leave of absence, but at the same time he is still Prime Minister," says Kantathi. "I expect that the Prime Minister will be resuming his full duties this Monday [May 22]." Though Thaksin has previously pledged not to seek the premiership again in the next poll, many analysts still believe he will ultimately end up with the top job again. But given the anger he inspires in many Thais, Thaksin II could restart the protests—and leave Thailand deadlocked all over again.