The game heats up in post-coup Thailand

The last few days in Thailand have been some of the most important since the military coup that ousted populist prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in September.

Signs suggest the military-installed government is taking the initiative after months of social and economic missteps, even as the Thaksin machine keeps up the public relations pressure.

Just a week ago, pro-Thaksin, anti-junta protests planned for this weekend had a decidedly volatile edge.

Suddenly enthusiasm appears to be waning, however, and the size of the protests could serve as a useful barometer for how the next five months will play out as Thailand awaits a new constitution and elections.

The billionaire tycoon's successful purchase this week of English Premiership football club Manchester City may have been his boldest move yet, and one certain to keep him in the minds and hearts of his soccer-mad countrymen.

But, internally, there has been action aplenty as the interim government moves against Thaksin and his family.

The Department of Special Investigation summoned Thaksin and his wife, Pojaman, to return by next Thursday to face charges that they concealed the exact nature of their ownership in a listed company. His Man City acquisition gives him the perfect excuse to stay away and let his lawyers sort it out - the team is playing a friendly against Real Madrid that day.