RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil's army is often called to help when things go wrong, so it was no surprise to see soldiers deploy during a crippling truckers' strike. However, public backing for the shutdown indicated much wider discontent at Brazil's floundering economy, unpopular government and rampant corruption. There was even a fake news rumor spread on WhatsApp that the constitution required military intervention once the strike lasted seven working days and six hours, which would have meant on Tuesday. Residents of Rio de Janeiro no longer bat an eyelid at the sight of soldiers in full battle dress. "Military intervention is a topic from last century," he said.

Source: Bangkok Post May 31, 2018 02:48 UTC