As Thailand's 18th coup ended its third day, the first cracks against a military solution to a political problem have surfaced. A small group of dissidents gathered to voice their opposition to the junta outside a swanky shopping mall in Banhgkok last Friday evening.

'No to Thaksin, No to coup,' read a protest sign held up by the dissidents, who numbered about 20. ''Don't call it reform. It's a coup,'' said another.

Although limited in number, the dissidents, by standing up, are punching a few holes in the glowing picture painted by the mainstream Thai media that the junta has universal support for its power grab on the night of Sep 19 to rid Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from office.