Thaksin steps down...maybe

The Thai prime minister Thaksin has promised to resign when the parliament meets for its new session. This is a good development for Thailand because of Thaksin's authoritarian tendencies and, like President Bush, promised to run the country as a CEO. While Thaksin had run a successful company (he recently sold it for $1.7 billion tax-free), unlike Bush, they are united in their unpopular and divisive ruling styles and authoritarian tendencies. While it is not certain that Thaksin will make good on his promise, the potential for a reversion to democracy is good and will strengthen democracy, especially since Thaksin waited until after the election to announce his resignation so it wouldn't be seen to be caused by the "street", which could have contributed to further instability in the streets of Bangkok.