The recent military coup in Thailand should have little impact on a nation that is experiencing unprecedented economic growth, said an NIU professor whose ties there date back to 1963.

Political scientist Clark Neher, who has known new Thai Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun for 25 years, believes that even though Anand was appointed by the military, he has great credibility at home.

Neher’s expertise on Thailand dates back 28 years to when he went there as a Peace Corps volunteer. He has returned many times, living in Thailand a total of about eight years.

Most Thai experts were surprised by the recent, bloodless coup mainly because Thailand has been relatively stable since its last successful coup in 1976, Neher said. However, there were other military takeover attempts in 1981 and 1985.

In the past few decades, however, the Thai government “had democratized in a meaningful way, had strengthened the institution of Parliament and had become accountable to the people sufficiently to make military rule inappropriate and anachronistic,” Neher said.

Neher suggests several reasons for the latest military action, including what he terms the “inexplicable and imprudent” move by deposed prime minister Major General Chatichai Choonhaven, to “confront the military.”

Neher said he believes the new leadership should make little difference in the Thai economy or in the lives of most Thai citizens. For instance, coup leaders already have installed a civilian government made up of highly trained techonocrates led by Anand.

“I have very high respect for his honesty and character and values,” Neher said of Anand.