This report discusses the current political and economic state of Thailand, particularly in the wake of the September 2006 coup that displaced Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and has resulted in continuing instability. This report also discusses the ongoing U.S.-Thai relationship, despite different policies in such areas as human rights.

Photograph of Brad Leali playing alto saxophone with the One O'Clock Lab Band at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of James Carter playing soprano saxophone at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of James Carter playing tenor saxophone at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of James Carter playing tenor saxophone at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of James Carter on stage with the One O'Clock Lab Band at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand. Carter is holding a saxophone upside-down in his left hand.

Photograph of James Carter on stage with the One O'Clock Lab Band at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand. Carter is holding a soprano saxophone under his left arm and a tenor under his right.

Photograph of James Carter on stage with the One O'Clock Lab Band at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand. Carter is holding a saxophone upside-down in his left hand.

Photograph of James Carter playing tenor saxophone at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of James Carter playing tenor saxophone with the One O'Clock Lab Band at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of James Carter playing tenor saxophone at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of James Carter playing tenor saxophone at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of James Carter playing soprano saxophone at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of James Carter on stage with the One O'Clock Lab Band at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand. A tenor saxophone is hanging from Carter's neck.

Photograph of James Carter playing soprano saxophone at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of James Carter playing soprano saxophone at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of Pete Clagett (standing, left) playing trumpet with the One O'Clock Lab Band at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of Pete Clagett (left) and Thomas Davis (center) playing trumpet with the One O'Clock Lab Band at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of Michael D'Angelo, drummer for the One O'Clock Lab Band, at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of (l-r) Thomas Davis, James Blackwell, and Matthew Timm playing trumpet with the One O'Clock Lab Band at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of Pete Clagett (left) and Thomas Davis (right) playing trumpet with the One O'Clock Lab Band at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of (standing, l-r) Pete Clagett, Thomas Davis, and James Blackwell playing trumpet with the One O'Clock Lab Band at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of James Blackwell (left) and Matthew Timm (right) playing trumpet with the One O'Clock Lab Band at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.

Photograph of (standing, l-r) Pete Clagett, Thomas Davis, and James Blackwell playing trumpet with the One O'Clock Lab Band at the 15th World Saxophone Congress held at Mahidol University in Thailand.