This is related to a current event. For the main article on the event, see 2006 Thailand coup d'état. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses.

Thailand

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Thailand Image File history File links Current_event_marker. ... Wikinews has news related to: Category:2006 Thailand coup The 2006 Thailand coup détat took place on Tuesday 19 September 2006, when the Royal Thai Army staged a coup against the government of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. ... Image File history File links Thai_Garuda_emblem. ...

King Bhumibol Adulyadej Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont 2005-2006 political crisis 2006 coup d'état Council for National Security Sonthi Boonyaratkalin Civilian interim government Cabinet of Thailand National Assembly Political parties Elections April 2006 (invalidated) October 2006 (cancelled) Next (2007) Constitutions 1997 Constitution (abrogated) 2006 Interim Constitution Next Constitution (referendum) Constitutional Court Provinces and districts Human rights South Thailand insurgency Foreign relations Foreign aid

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Click here to visit Thailand The kings in the current Chakri dynasty of Thailand are often referred to as Rama followed by Roman ordinal in English translation. ... Bhumibol Adulyadej (Thai: ; IPA: ; Royal Institute: Phumiphon Adunyadet;  ) (born December 5, 1927), is the current King of Thailand. ... The following is a list of Prime Ministers of Thailand: Phraya Manopakorn Nititada, (1932-1933) General Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena, (1933-1938) Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, (1938-1944) Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1944-1945) Tawee Boonyaket, (1945) Seni Pramoj, (1945) Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1946) Luang Praditmanutham, (1946) Rear Admiral Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi... General (ret. ... The cover of The Economist magazine of April 8th–14th 2006, showing anti-Thaksin protesters. ... Wikinews has news related to: Category:2006 Thailand coup The 2006 Thailand coup détat took place on Tuesday 19 September 2006, when the Royal Thai Army staged a coup against the government of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. ... This article focuses on the military junta that overthrew the elected civilian government of Thailand in the 2006 Thailand coup. ... General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin (Thai: ; first name also spelled Sondhi; last name also spelled Boonyaratglin or Boonyarakarin) is Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army. ... The Thai 2006 interim civilian government is the Thai provisional civilian government headed by Interim Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont. ... In the politics of Thailand, the Cabinet is a formal body composed of government officials chosen by the Prime Minister. ... The National Assembly (Rathasapha) is the legislative branch of the government of Thailand. ... Political parties in Thailand lists political parties in Thailand. ... Politics of Thailand Categories: Election related stubs | Elections in Thailand ... General elections were held in Thailand in April 2006. ... After Thailands April 2006 elections were declared invalid by the Constitutional Court, it was decided that new elections would be held on 15 October 2006. ... General elections are expected to be held again in Thailand before the end of 2007 after the military assumed power in the 2006 Thai coup détat on 19 September 2006. ... Bangkoks Democracy Monument: a representation of the 1932 Constitution sits on top of two golden offering bowls above a turret. ... The 2006 Interim Charter of Thailand was drafted by the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) after it seized power from the government of Thaksin Shinawatra in the 2006 Thailand coup. ... A permanent constitution for the Kingdom of Thailand is currently being drafted by a committee established by the military junta that abrogated the previous 1997 Constitution. ... A referendum on the new constitution currently being drafted will be held in Thailand in 2007, likely in August. ... The Constitutional Court of Thailand (Thai: ศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ) is an independent Thai court established under the 1997 Constitution with jurisdiction over the constitutionality of parliamentary acts, royal decrees, draft legislation, as well as the appointment and removal of public officials and issues regarding political parties. ... Thailand is divided into 75 provinces (จังหวัด, changwat), and one municipality - the capital Bangkok (Krung Thep Maha Nakhon in Thai). ... Human Rights in Thailand The constitution provides for freedom of speech, press, peaceful assembly and association, religion, and movement within the country and abroad. ... Combatants  Thailand Muslim separatists Pattini Raya Commanders Gen. ... Thailands foreign policy includes support for ASEAN in the interest of regional stability and emphasis on a close and longstanding security relationship with the United States. ... Foreign Aid to Thailand On July 31, 2003, Thailand repaid its outstanding obligations under a standby arrangement from the International Monetary Fund designed to help it recover from the 1997–98 Asian financial crisis. ... Information on politics by country is available for every country, including both de jure and de facto independent states, inhabited dependent territories, as well as areas of special sovereignty. ...

The politics of Thailand currently takes place in a framework of a constitutional monarchy, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government and a hereditary monarch is head of state. Executive power is currently exercised by a military junta and its appointed Prime Minister and Cabinet. Legislative power is vested in a junta-appointed legislature. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. Political activities are currently banned. Prior to the 2006 coup, the kingdom was a parliamentary democracy, with an elected bicameral legislature. This does not cite any references or sources. ... The following is a list of Prime Ministers of Thailand: Phraya Manopakorn Nititada, (1932-1933) General Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena, (1933-1938) Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, (1938-1944) Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1944-1945) Tawee Boonyaket, (1945) Seni Pramoj, (1945) Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1946) Luang Praditmanutham, (1946) Rear Admiral Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi... The Head of Government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. ... Under the doctrine of the separation of powers, the executive is the branch of a government charged with implementing, or executing, the law. ... This article focuses on the military junta that overthrew the elected civilian government of Thailand in the 2006 Thailand coup. ... A legislature is a governmental deliberative body with the power to adopt laws. ... The Politics series Politics Portal This box:      In law, the judiciary or judicial is the system of courts which administer justice in the name of the sovereign or state, a mechanism for the resolution of disputes. ... Wikinews has news related to: Category:2006 Thailand coup The 2006 Thailand coup détat took place on Tuesday 19 September 2006, when the Royal Thai Army staged a coup against the government of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. ... A parliamentary system, or parliamentarism, is distinguished by the executive branch of government being dependent on the direct or indirect support of the parliament, often expressed through a vote of confidence. ...

Thailand had been ruled by kings since the thirteenth century. In 1932, the country officially became a constitutional monarchy, though in practice, the government was dominated by the military and the elite bureaucracy. The country's current constitution was promulgated in 2006. (12th century - 13th century - 14th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 13th century was that century which lasted from 1201 to 1300. ... Year 1932 (MCMXXXII) was a leap year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1932 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This does not cite any references or sources. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ...

The King of Thailand has little direct power under the constitution but is a symbol of national identity and unity. King Bhumibol — who has been on the throne since 1946 — commands enormous popular respect and moral authority, which he has used on occasion to resolve political crises that have threatened national stability. The Chakri dynasty have ruled Thailand since king Taksin was declared mad in 1782. ... Bhumibol Adulyadej (Thai: ; IPA: ; Royal Institute: Phumiphon Adunyadet;  ) (born December 5, 1927), is the current King of Thailand. ... Year 1946 (MCMXLVI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Currently, Thailand is run by a military Military junta calling itself the Council for National Security. On 19 September 2006, the CNS staged a coup d'état that overthrew the elected government of Thaksin Shinawatra. Since that time, Thailand has been governed by a military junta headed by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who later appointed General Surayud Chulanont, who is a member of King's Privy Council, as Prime Minister. The coup and the governing junta were endorsed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej in a royal decree on the day following the coup ^[1]. Augusto Pinochet (sitting) was an army general who led a military coup in Chile in 1973. ... This article focuses on the military junta that overthrew the elected civilian government of Thailand in the 2006 Thailand coup. ... is the 262nd day of the year (263rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Wikinews has news related to: Category:2006 Thailand coup The 2006 Thailand coup détat took place on Tuesday 19 September 2006, when the Royal Thai Army staged a coup against the government of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. ... Wikinews has related news: Thaksin Shinawatra   (Thai: , IPA: ; (Chinese: 丘達新), born July 26, 1949 in Chiang Mai, Thailand), Thai businessman and politician, is the former Prime Minister of Thailand, the former leader of the populist Thai Rak Thai party, and current owner of the Manchester City Football Club. ... Augusto Pinochet (sitting) was an army general who led a military coup in Chile in 1973. ... General Sonthi Boonyaratglin (Thai: ; first name also spelled Sondhi; last name also spelled Boonyaratkalin or Boonyarakarin) is Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army. ... General (ret. ... Bhumibol Adulyadej (Thai: ; IPA: ; Royal Institute: Phumiphon Adunyadet;  ) (born December 5, 1927), is the current King of Thailand. ...

Executive branch

The king has little direct power under the constitution but is the anointed protector of Thai Buddhism and a symbol of national identity and unity. The present monarch enjoys a great deal of popular respect and moral authority, which has on occasion been used to resolve political crises. It is illegal to mock or criticize the King and doing so can bring about charges of lese majesty. Bhumibol Adulyadej (Thai: ; IPA: ; Royal Institute: Phumiphon Adunyadet;  ) (born December 5, 1927), is the current King of Thailand. ... June 9 is the 160th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (161st in leap years), with 205 days remaining. ... Year 1946 (MCMXLVI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The following is a list of Prime Ministers of Thailand: Phraya Manopakorn Nititada, (1932-1933) General Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena, (1933-1938) Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, (1938-1944) Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1944-1945) Tawee Boonyaket, (1945) Seni Pramoj, (1945) Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1946) Luang Praditmanutham, (1946) Rear Admiral Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi... General (ret. ... is the 274th day of the year (275th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... This article focuses on the military junta that overthrew the elected civilian government of Thailand in the 2006 Thailand coup. ... General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin (Thai: ; first name also spelled Sondhi; last name also spelled Boonyaratglin or Boonyarakarin) is Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army. ... is the 262nd day of the year (263rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... // Ayodhaya Names of Kings according to Pongsawadarnnue (Chronicle of the North) Prachao Prathumsuriyawong พระเจ้าปทุมสุริยวงศ์ Prachao Mahasamudsakorn พระเจ้ามหาสมุทรสาคร Prachao Chanraja พระเจ้าจันทรราชา Prachao Ruang พระเจ้าร่วง Prachao Lue พระเจ้าลือ Praya Kotama พระยาโคตม Praya Kotabong พระยาโคตรบอง Praya Grag พระยาแกรก Prachao Chantachoti พระเจ้าจันทรโชติ Pra Narai พระนารายณ์ (880 AD-?) Prachao Luang พระเจ้าหลวง (949 AD -?) Prachao Sainampueng พระเจ้าสายน้ำผึ้ง (1027 - 1065 AD) Praya Thamikaraj พระยาธรรมิกราช (1056 - 1107) (nearly 300 years of... This article needs additional references or sources to facilitate its verification. ... Lese majesty, leze majesty, or lèse majesté (from the Latin Laesa maiestatis, injury to the Majesty) is the crime of violating majesty, an offense against the dignity of a reigning sovereign or against a state. ...

The head of government is the Prime Minister. The current constitution allows the President of the Council for National Security to appoint or remove the Prime Minister at any time. The legislature may not hold votes of no-confidence against the Prime Minister or members of his Cabinet. The Head of Government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. ... The following is a list of Prime Ministers of Thailand: Phraya Manopakorn Nititada, (1932-1933) General Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena, (1933-1938) Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, (1938-1944) Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1944-1945) Tawee Boonyaket, (1945) Seni Pramoj, (1945) Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1946) Luang Praditmanutham, (1946) Rear Admiral Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi... This article focuses on the military junta that overthrew the elected civilian government of Thailand in the 2006 Thailand coup. ... A Motion of No Confidence, also called Motion of Non Confidence is a parliamentary motion traditionally put before a parliament by the opposition in the hope of defeating or embarrassing a government. ...

The Council for National Security is self-administered. The 2006 constitution includes no mechanisms for removing or overseeing CNS members.

Under most previous constitutions, the Prime Minister was usually the head of the largest party in the legislature. Cabinet members did not have to be Members of Parliament. The legislature could hold a vote of no-confidence against the Premier and members of his Cabinet if it had sufficient votes. A Member of Parliament, or MP, is a representative elected by the voters of an electoral district to a parliament; in the Westminster system, specifically to the lower house. ...

Legislative branch

The current constitution allows a unicameral legislature, members of which are appointed by the Council for National Security. The 250 members of the legislature may request that the Cabinet give statements of fact or explain problems, but is not allowed to hold vote of no-confidence against the Cabinet or Premier.^[2] This article focuses on the military junta that overthrew the elected civilian government of Thailand in the 2006 Thailand coup. ...

Under the 1997 Constitution, the bicameral Thai legislature was called the National Assembly or informally, the Parliament ([[Thai language|Thai:รัฐสภา, Rathasapha). It consisted of a House of Representatives (สภาผู้แทนราษฎร, sapha phuthaen ratsadon) of 500 seats and a Senate (วุฒิสภา, wuthisapha) of 200 seats. Members of both houses were elected by popular vote. The House of Representatives was elected by the first-past-the-post system, where only one candidate with a simple majority will be elected in one constituency. The Senate was elected based on the province system, where one province can return more than one Senator depending on its population size. Members of House of Representatives served four-year terms, while Senators served six-year terms.^[3] The National Assembly (Rathasapha) is the legislative branch of the government of Thailand. ... A senate is a deliberative body, often the upper house or chamber of a legislature. ...

Political parties and elections

Political activities were outlawed by the junta since the coup of 19 September 2006. The junta gave no indication for when political activities would again become legal. Wikinews has news related to: Category:2006 Thailand coup The 2006 Thailand coup détat took place on Tuesday 19 September 2006, when the Royal Thai Army staged a coup against the government of caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. ...

The junta cancelled elections scheduled for 15 October 2006. The junta originally promised that democratic elections would occur within 12 months. However in October 2006, it extended the timeframe for elections to 17 months.^[4] No firm date has yet to be set for democratic elections. After Thailands April 2006 elections were declared invalid by the Constitutional Court, it was decided that new elections would be held on 15 October 2006. ...

For other political parties see List of political parties in Thailand. An overview on elections and election results is included in Elections in Thailand.

A political party is a political organization subscribing to a certain ideology or formed around very special issues. ... Political parties in Thailand lists political parties in Thailand. ... An election is a decision making process whereby people vote for preferred political candidates or parties to act as representatives in government. ... Politics of Thailand Categories: Election related stubs | Elections in Thailand ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Thai Rak Thai Logo Thai Rak Thai (Thai: , lit. ... This article is part of or related to the Liberalism series Categories: Politics stubs | Liberal related stubs | Liberal parties | Thai political parties ... Chart Thai Party (พรรคชาติไทย phak chaat thai), also translated as the Thai Nation Party, is a conservative political party in Thailand. ... The Great Peoples Party (Phak Machacon) is a political party in Thailand. ...

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (ศาลฎีกา, Sandika), judges appointed by the monarch. All courts are not under the Thai Ministry of Justice according to 1997 constitution section 249. There is also an independent Constitutional Court. There is a Court of Appeals, divided into districts and three (3) judges compose a court. Research judges assist the sitting judges. Judges must take an examination and two different examinations are given: one exam is for judges trained in Thailand and a different examination is given for judges who graduate from foreign law schools. Trial courts of the first instance (civil, criminal and kwaeng) are also staffed by judges. Labor Court judges are not necessarily lawyers and work for the ministry of Labor. There is also the IPCIT Court for intellectual property and international trade. There is no stenographic record of any trial court proceedings and all court proceedings are composed by the trial judge. There is no discovery of evidence or witnesses in trial court. The criminally accused are entitled to have a court-appointed certified translator present in court if they cannot afford one. Appeals must be filed with the trial court within thirty (30) days of the judge reading, signing and issuing the verdict. There are no juries in trials. Only Thai citizens can be admitted to the Bar and can practice before the courts. The Constitutional Court of Thailand (Thai: ศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ) is an independent Thai court established under the 1997 Constitution with jurisdiction over the constitutionality of parliamentary acts, royal decrees, draft legislation, as well as the appointment and removal of public officials and issues regarding political parties. ...

The Asian Human Rights Commission called the Thai legal system a "mess" and called for a drastic overhaul of Thailand's criminal procedures. It cited the rampant use of forced confessions, and the fact that even a senior justice ministry official admitted that 30% of cases went to court with no evidence. It also criticized the judiciary for failing to ensure that trials are conducted speedily, citing the case of four Thai men accused of plotting to kill a Supreme Court president. The accused appeared in court 461 times before 91 different judges since proceedings began in 1993.^[5] The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) was founded in 1986 by a prominent group of jurists and human rights activists in Asia. ...

Legal system

Thailand's legal system blends principles of traditional Thai and Western laws; the western sourced laws are often misused and corrupted and the traditional 'thai' laws are the product of hindu-brahmin laws used by the Khmer Empire. The Constitutional Court of Thailand has jurisdiction over certain constitutional issues. The Courts of Justice have jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases and are organized in three tiers: Courts of First Instance, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Justice. There are no stenographic records kept by the trial court and the record is composed of what the judge decides. There is no discovery in the Thai legal system. Slander and libel are not civil torts in Thailand but criminal offenses. Attorneys must carry their current, yellow, bar card when in court and may be required to produce it on challenge. Administrative courts have jurisdiction over suits between private parties and the government, and cases in which one government entity is suing another. In Thailand's southern border provinces, where Muslims constitute the majority of the population, Provincial Islamic Committees have limited jurisdiction over probate, family, marriage, and divorce cases. Thailands legal system has been often criticised by other countries for having penalties of life in prison or even death for crimes such as drug possession or smuggling, while having lenient penalties for crimes such as terrorism and marital abuse resulting in spousal death. The Constitutional Court of Thailand (Thai: ศาลรัฐธรรมนูญ) is an independent Thai court established under the 1997 Constitution with jurisdiction over the constitutionality of parliamentary acts, royal decrees, draft legislation, as well as the appointment and removal of public officials and issues regarding political parties. ...

Administrative divisions

Thailand is divided into seventy-six provinces (changwat, singular and plural). Each is assigned a governor by the Ministry of the Interior, with the exception of the metropolis of greater Bangkok, whose governor is popularly elected. The provinces are: Thailand is divided into 76 provinces (Thai: จังหวัด, changwat, singular and plural), which are grouped into 5 groups of provinces - sometimes the East and Central are grouped together. ... A BTS skytrain passing the Sathon area of Bangkok. ...

Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Narathiwat, Nongbua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Phang Nga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon. Amnat Charoen (Thai อำนาจเจริญ) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Ang Thong (Thai อ่างทอง) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Buri Ram (Thai บุรีรัมย์) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Chachoengsao (Thai ฉะเชิงเทรา) is a province (changwat) of Thailand. ... Geography Chainat is located in the flat river plain of the Chao Phraya river valley. ... Chaiyaphum (Thai ชัยภูมิ) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Chanthaburi (Thai จันทบุรี) is a province (changwat) of Thailand. ... Chiang Mai (Thai เชียงใหม่) is the second-biggest province (changwat) of Thailand, located in the north of the country. ... Chiang Rai (Thai เชียงราย) is the most northern province (changwat) of Thailand. ... Geography The province is located at the Bight of Bangkok, the northern end of the Gulf of Thailand. ... Chumphon (Thai ชุมพร) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, at the shore of the Gulf of Thailand. ... Kalasin (Thai กาฬสินธุ์) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand. ... Kamphaeng Phet (Thai กำแพงเพชร) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the north of the country. ... Kanchanaburi (Thai กาญจนบุรี) is the largest of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Khon Kaen (Thai ขอนแก่น) is the second-largest of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Krabi (Thai กระบี่) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, at the shore of the Andaman Sea. ... A BTS skytrain passing the Sathon area of Bangkok. ... Lampang (Thai ลำปาง) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Lamphun (Thai ลำพูน) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Loei (Thai เลย) is one of the most sparsely populated provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand. ... Lopburi (Thai ลพบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Mae Hong Son (Thai แม่ฮ่องสอน) (also Mae Hong Sorn) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, and at the same time the westernmost. ... Maha Sarakham (Thai มหาสารคาม) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand. ... Mukdahan (Thai: ) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Nakhon Nayok (Thai นครนายก) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Nakhon Pathom (Thai นครปฐม) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Nakhon Phanom (Thai นครพนม) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Nakhon Ratchasima (Thai: ), often shortened to Korat or Khorat, is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Nakhon Sawan (Thai: ) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Nakhon Si Thammarat (often in short Nakhon, Thai นครศรีธรรมราช) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, at the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand. ... Nan (Thai น่าน) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Narathiwat (Thai นราธิวาส) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Nong Bua Lamphu (Thai หนองบัวลำภู) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Nong Khai (Thai หนองคาย) is the one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Nonthaburi (Thai นนทบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Pathum Thani (Thai ปทุมธานี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Pattani (Thai ปัตตานี) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Phang Nga (Thai พังงา) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, on the shore to the Andaman Sea. ... Phattalung (Thai พัทลุง) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Phayao (Thai พะเยา) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Phetchabun (Thai เพชรบูรณ์) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Phetchaburi (often short Phetburi, Thai เพชรบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Phichit (Thai พิจิตร) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the north of the country. ... Phitsanulok (Thai พิษณุโลก) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the North of Thailand. ... Ayutthaya (full name Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thai พระนครศรีอยุธยา, pronounced eye-you-TEE-a) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Phrae (Thai แพร่) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Phuket redirects here. ... Prachinburi (Thai ปราจีนบุรี) is a province (changwat) of Thailand. ... Prachuap Khiri Khan (Thai ประจวบคีรีขันธ์) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Ranong (Thai ระนอง) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, at the shore to the Andaman Sea. ... Ratchaburi (often short Ratburi, Thai ราชบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Rayong province (Thai spelling ระยอง) is a province (changwat) of Thailand. ... Roi Et (Thai ร้อยเอ็ด) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand. ... Sa Kaeo (Thai สระแก้ว) is a province (changwat) of Thailand. ... Sakon Nakhon (Thai: สกลนคร) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Samut Prakan (Thai  ) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Samut Sakhon (Thai สมุทรสาคร) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Samut Songkhram (Thai สมุทรสงคราม) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Saraburi (Thai สระบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... á Satun (Thai สตูล) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Sing Buri (Thai สิงห์บุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Sisaket (Thai: meaning head) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Songkhla (Thai: ) is the one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Sukhothai (Thai สุโขทัย) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Suphanburi (Thai สุพรรณบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Surat Thani (often in short Surat, Thai: ) is the largest of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand. ... Surin (Thai สุรินทร์) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Tak (Thai ตาก) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Trang (also Muang Thap Thiang, Thai ตรัง) is the one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, at the western shore of the Andaman Sea. ... Trat (Thai ตราด) is a province (changwat) of Thailand. ... Ubon Ratchathani (often in short Ubon, Thai อุบลราชธานี) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Udon Thani (Thai อุดรธานี) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Uthai Thani (Thai อุทัยธานี) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Uttaradit (Thai อุตรดิตถ์) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. ... Yala (Thai ยะลา) is the southernmost province (changwat) of Thailand. ... Yasothon (Thai ยโสธร) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the North-East of Thailand. ...

International organization participation

APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNTAET, UNU, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO APEC member countries shown in green Headquarters Type Economic forum Member countries 21 Leaders  -  Executive Director  Colin S. Heseltine Establishment 1989 Website http://www. ... The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank established in 1966 to promote economic and social development in Asian and Pacific countries through loans and technical assistance. ... Hymn The ASEAN Hymn Jakarta, Indonesia Membership 10 Southeast Asian states Leaders  -  Secretary General Ong Keng Yong Area  -  Total 4,465,5001 km²   sq mi  Population  -   estimate 558,812,2001, 2   -  Density 125 /km²   /sq mi GDP (PPP) 20051 estimate  -  Total US$ 2. ... The Colombo Plan began in 1951, and is a regional organisation focused on social development. ... The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), located in Bangkok, Thailand, is the regional arm of the United Nations Secretariat for the Asian and Pacific region. ... The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. ... link titlelink titlelink titlelink titlelink title--210. ... The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was established as an autonomous organization on July 29, 1957. ... Logo of the World Bank The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is one of the five institutions consisting the World Bank Group. ... The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), an agency of the United Nations, codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth. ... Claiming 157 million members in 225 affiliated organisations in 148 countries and territories, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) came into being on December 7, 1949 following a split within the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU). ... The Red Cross and the Red Crescent emblems, the symbols from which the Movement derives its name. ... The International Development Association (IDA) created on September 24, 1960, is the part of the World Bank that helps the world’s poorest countries. ... The International Fund for Agricultural Development is an agency of the United Nations. ... The International Finance Corporation (IFC) promotes sustainable private sector investment in developing countries as a way to reduce poverty and improve peoples lives. ... The Red Cross and the Red Crescent emblems, the symbols from which the Movement derives its name. ... The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is an intergovernmental international organization established in 1921. ... The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that deals with labour issues. ... This article needs additional references or sources to facilitate its verification. ... Headquarters of the International Maritime Organisation in Lambeth, adjacent to the east end of Lambeth Bridge Headquarters building taken from the west side of the Thames Headquartered in London, U.K., the International Maritime Organization (IMO) promotes cooperation among governments and the shipping industry to improve maritime safety and to... Inmarsat plc is an international telecommunications company founded in 1979, originally as an intergovernmental organization. ... Intelsat, Ltd. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Alternative meanings at IOC (disambiguation) The International Olympic Committee is an organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland, created by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894 to reinstate the Ancient Olympic Games held in Greece, and organize this sports event every four years. ... The International Organization for Migration is an intergovernmental organization. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The International Telecommunication Union (ITU; French: Union internationale des télécommunications, Spanish: Unión Internacional de Telecomunicaciones) is an international organization established to standardize and regulate international radio and telecommunications. ... Member states of the Non-Aligned Movement (2005). ... The Organization of American States (OAS; OEA in the other three official languages) is an international organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States of America. ... The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is not an agency of the United Nations. ... The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), also known as the Hague Tribunal is an international organization based in The Hague in the Netherlands. ... The foundation of the U.N. The United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are to facilitate co-operation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress and human rights issues. ... The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established in 1964 as a permanent intergovernmental body, UNCTAD is the principal organ of the United Nations General Assembly dealing with trade, investment and development issues. ... UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1945. ... Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) (established December 14, 1950) protects and supports refugees at the request of a government or the United Nations and assists in their return or resettlement. ... United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is an agency of the United Nations with the mission of helping countries pursue sustainable industrial development, it is a specialist in industrial affairs. ... UNIKOM, the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission, was established on April 9, 1991 following the Gulf War by Security Council resolution 689 (1991) and fully deployed by early May. ... The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was established in 1965 as an autonomous body within the United Nations with the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the Organization through appropriate training and research. ... The United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH) is an international organization formed under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1035, as extended by Security Council Resolution 1357. ... The UN Transitional Administration in East Timor provided an interim civil administration and a peacekeeping mission in the territory of East Timor. ... United Nations University (UNU) is a university established on December 6, 1973 by adoption of resolution 3081 by the United Nations General Assembly, upon the suggestion of U Thant, UN Secretary-General at the time. ... The Universal Postal Union (UPU, French: Union postale universelle) is an international organization that coordinates postal policies between member nations, and hence the world-wide postal system. ... The World Confederation of Labour (WCL) was founded in 1920 under the name of the International Federation of Christian Trade Unions as a confederation of unions associated with the Christian Democratic parties of Europe. ... The World Customs Organization (WCO) is an intergovernmental organization that helps Members (currently Customs administrations from 169 countries) communicate and co-operate on customs issues. ... The World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) was established in the wake of the Second World War to bring together trade unions across the world in a single international organization, much like the United Nations. ... The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. ... The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) (French: Organisation mondiale de la propriété intellectuelle or OMPI) is one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations. ... The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is an intergovernmental organization with a membership of 187 Member States and Territories. ... World Tourism Organization Building in Madrid The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a United Nations agency dealing with questions relating to tourism. ... The World Trade Organization (WTO), (OMC - Spanish: , French: ), is an international organization designed to supervise and liberalize international trade. ...

Recent political history

Transition to democracy

Following the 1932 revolution which imposed constitutional limits on the monarchy, Thai politics were dominated for a half century by a military and bureaucratic elite. Changes of government were effected primarily by means of a long series of mostly bloodless coups. This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...

Beginning with a brief experiment in democracy during the mid-1970s, civilian democratic political institutions slowly gained greater authority, culminating in 1988 when Chatichai Choonhavan — leader of the Chart Thai Party (Thai Nation Party) — assumed office as the country's first democratically elected prime minister in more than a decade. Three years later, yet another bloodless coup ended his term. Year 1988 (MCMLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar). ... General Chatichai Choonhavan (5 April 1920—6 May 1998) was the Prime Minister of Thailand from 1988–1991. ... Chart Thai Party (พรรคชาติไทย phak chaat thai), also translated as the Thai Nation Party, is a conservative political party in Thailand. ... The following is a list of Prime Ministers of Thailand: Phraya Manopakorn Nititada, (1932-1933) General Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena, (1933-1938) Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, (1938-1944) Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1944-1945) Tawee Boonyaket, (1945) Seni Pramoj, (1945) Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1946) Luang Praditmanutham, (1946) Rear Admiral Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi...

Shortly afterward, the military appointed Anand Panyarachun, a businessman and former diplomat, to head a largely civilian interim government and promised to hold elections in the near future. However, following inconclusive elections, former army commander Suchinda Kraprayoon was appointed prime minister. Thais reacted to the appointment by demanding an end to military influence in government. Demonstrations were violently suppressed by the military; in May 1992, soldiers killed at least fifty protesters. Anand Panyarachun (born August 9, 1932) was Thailands Prime Minister twice, between 1991-1992 and once again in 1992. ... Suchinda Kraprayoon was Prime Minister of Thailand from 7 April 1992 until 24 May 1992. ... Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ...

Domestic and international reaction to the violence forced Suchinda to resign, and the nation once again turned to Anand Panyarachun, who was named interim prime minister until new elections in September 1992. In those elections, the political parties that had opposed the military in May 1992 won by a narrow majority, and Chuan Leekpai, a leader of the Democrat Party, became prime minister at the head of a five-party coalition. Following the defection of a coalition partner, Chuan dissolved Parliament in May 1995, and the Chart Thai Party won the largest number of parliamentary seats in subsequent elections. Party leader Banharn Silpa-archa became Prime Minister but held the office only little more than a year. Following elections held in November 1996, Chavalit Youngchaiyudh formed a coalition government and became Prime Minister. The onset of the Asian financial crisis caused a loss of confidence in the Chavalit government and forced him to hand over power to Chuan Leekpai in November 1997. Chuan formed a coalition government based on the themes of economic crisis management and institution of political reforms mandated by Thailand's 1997 constitution. It collapsed just days before its term was scheduled to end. Chuan Leekpai on the cover of Asiaweek magazine Chuan Leekpai (Thai: , Chinese: ; pinyin: LÇš JÄ«wén; born July 28, 1938 in Trang) was the Prime Minister of Thailand from September 23, 1992 to May 24, 1995 and again from November 9, 1997 to February 9, 2001. ... This article is part of or related to the Liberalism series Categories: Politics stubs | Liberal related stubs | Liberal parties | Thai political parties ... The following is a list of Prime Ministers of Thailand: Phraya Manopakorn Nititada, (1932-1933) General Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhasena, (1933-1938) Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, (1938-1944) Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1944-1945) Tawee Boonyaket, (1945) Seni Pramoj, (1945) Major Khuang Abhaiwongse, (1946) Luang Praditmanutham, (1946) Rear Admiral Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... Chart Thai Party (พรรคชาติไทย phak chaat thai), also translated as the Thai Nation Party, is a conservative political party in Thailand. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh (Thai ชวลิต ยงใจยุทธ, born May 15, 1932) is a Thai politician, General, Defence Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Thailands 22nd Prime Minister from (1996-1997). ... The Asian financial crisis was a financial crisis that started in July 1997 in Thailand and affected currencies, stock markets, and other asset prices in several Asian countries, many considered East Asian Tigers. ... Year 1997 (MCMXCVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar). ...

The rise and fall of Thaksin Shinawatra

See also: Thailand political crisis 2005-2006

Wikinews has related news:

Thai snap-election set for April 2, 2006

In the January 2001 elections, telecommunications multimillionaire Thaksin Shinawatra and his Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party won an overwhelming victory on a populist platform of economic growth and development. After absorbing several smaller parties, TRT gained an absolute majority in the lower house of the Parliament, controlling 296 of 500 seats. In a cabinet reshuffle of October 2002, the Thaksin administration further put its stamp on the government. A package of bureaucratic reform legislation created six new ministries in an effort to streamline the bureaucratic process and increase efficiency and accountability. The Thailand political crisis 2005-2006 was a series of events which led to the downfall of the Thai government of Thaksin Shinawatra in April 2006. ... Image File history File links WikiNews-Logo. ... Wikinews is a free-content news source and a project of the Wikimedia Foundation. ... This article needs cleanup. ... Wikinews has related news: Thaksin Shinawatra   (Thai: , IPA: ; (Chinese: 丘達新), born July 26, 1949 in Chiang Mai, Thailand), Thai businessman and politician, is the former Prime Minister of Thailand, the former leader of the populist Thai Rak Thai party, and current owner of the Manchester City Football Club. ... Thai Rak Thai Logo Thai Rak Thai (Thai: , lit. ... October 2002 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December // Events October 31, 2002 The Russian Health Minister Yuri Shevchenko has now stated that the incapacitating agent used in the storming of the Moscow theatre siege was a fentanyl derivative. ...

The general election held on 6 February, 2005 resulted in another landslide victory for Thaksin and TRT, which now controlled 374 seats in Parliament's lower house. The popularity of Thaksin's populist policies in rural areas and the publicity Thaksin received in the aftermath of the Great Indian Ocean Tsunami, which occurred shortly before the election, were the keys to TRT's historic victory. Legislative elections were held in Thailand on 6 February 2005. ... The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, known by the scientific community as the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake,[1] was a great undersea earthquake that occurred at 00:58:53 UTC (07:58:53 local time) December 26, 2004 with an epicentre off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. ...

However, Thaksin proceeded to become the target of public protests which led to widespread calls for his resignation or impeachment. Thaksin dissolved parliament on