I could have missed this link in this discussion:
Sonthi outsmarted Thaksin at the eleventh hour
If things would have happened like described, is Thailand not protected from a lot worse by the present situation?
In my opinion, yes.
No one is a supporter of a coup, especially a military one, but... in the situation as it existed and the possible escalation described in this article might almost have been a 'valid' reason to intervene.
Looking forward having your thoughts...