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Encyclopedia > Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra
ทักษิณ ชินวัตร
Thaksin Shinawatra

In office
February 9, 2001 – September 19, 2006
Monarch Rama IX
Preceded by Chuan Leekpai
Succeeded by Surayud Chulanont

Born July 26, 1949 (1949-07-26) (age 58)
San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai
Nationality Thai
Political party Thai Rak Thai (formerly)[1]
Spouse Potjaman Shinawatra
Religion Buddhism

Thaksin Shinawatra  (Thai: ทักษิณ ชินวัตร, IPA: [tʰáksǐn tɕʰinnawát]; (Chinese: 丘達新), nicknamed by the media as แม้ว (maew, a northern Thailand hill tribe also known as Hmong), born July 26, 1949 in Chiang Mai, Thailand), Thai businessman and politician, is the former Prime Minister of Thailand, and the former leader of the populist Thai Rak Thai Party. He was in exile for 17 months until February 28, 2008, when he returned to Bangkok. During exile, Shinawatra became a resident of London, and owner of the English football club Manchester City.[2] Thaksin started his career in the Thai police, and later became a successful entrepreneur, establishing Shin Corporation and Advanced Info Service, the largest mobile phone operator in Thailand. He became one of the richest people in Thailand prior to entering politics, although he and his family later sold their shares in Shin Corporation. Thaksin entered politics by joining the Phalang Dharma Party in 1994, and later founded the Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party in 1998. After a landslide election victory in 2001, he became Prime Minister of Thailand. At the time, the 2001 election was regarded by observers as the most open, corruption-free election in Thai history.[3] Thaksin may refer to: Thaksin, a Thai word for south (from Sanskrit word dakshin) Thaksin Shinawatra, a former Thai Prime Minister. ... Image File history File links Thaksin. ... 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... is the 40th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... is the 262nd day of the year (263rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Rama IX of Thailand His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej (ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช, Phumiphon Adunyadet), King Rama IX of Thailand (royal name Phra Chaoyuhua Bhumibol Adulyadej), the Great (born December 5, 1927), has been King of Thailand since 1946. ... Chuan Leekpai on the cover of Asiaweek magazine Chuan Leekpai (Thai: , Chinese: ; pinyin: ; 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. ... General (ret. ... is the 207th day of the year (208th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1949 (MCMXLIX) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... San Kamphaeng is a district (amphoe) of Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand. ... A street scene in Chiang Mai, showing (centre right), a gate of the old city wall. ... Thai Rak Thai Logo Thai Rak Thai (Thai: , lit. ... Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra (born Potjaman Damapong) is the wife of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. ... Buddhism is a variety of teachings, sometimes described as a religion[1] or way of life that attempts to identify the causes of human suffering and offer various ways that are claimed to end, or ease suffering. ... Image File history File links Thaksin. ... Chinese (written) language (pinyin: zhōngw n) written in Chinese characters The Chinese language (汉语/漢語, 华语/華語, or 中文; Pinyin: H nyǔ, Hu yǔ, or Zhōngw n) is a member of the Sino-Tibetan family of languages. ... is the 207th day of the year (208th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1949 (MCMXLIX) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... A street scene in Chiang Mai, showing (centre right), a gate of the old city wall. ... Click here to visit Thailand 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. ... 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... Thai Rak Thai (ไทยรักไทย, lit. ... is the 59th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... Manchester City Football Club are an English football club based in the city of Manchester. ... A police officer of the Royal Thai Police The Royal Thai Police (Thai: ) is the federal police force of Thailand. ... Shin Corporation (SET: SHIN; NASDAQ: SHNZY; NASDAQ: SHNVF; NASDAQ: SHNUF) is the largest conglomerate in Thailand. ... Advanced Info Service PCL is Thailands largest GSM mobile phone operator with 17. ... The Phalang Dharma Party is a Thai political party founded by Chamlong Srimuang and supporters of the Santi Asoke sect of Buddhism in 1988. ... Thai Rak Thai Logo Thai Rak Thai (Thai: , lit. ...


Thaksin's distinctive economic, public health, education, energy, drugs and international relations policies made him the first elected Prime Minister in Thai history to complete his 4 year term in office, and helped him win a landslide re-election in 2005. Not to be confused with Political economy. ... Public health is the study and practice of addressing threats to the health of a community. ... Many drugs are provided in tablet form. ... Foreign affairs redirects here. ... 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 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...


The 2005 election had the highest voter turnout in Thai history and was noted for the marked reduction in vote-buying compared to previous elections.[4][5][6] His main support base was the rural poor in the north, northeast, east and central part of Thailand. Thaksin's policies were particularly effective at alleviating rural poverty (poverty rates fell by half in 5 years) and at providing near universal access to affordable health care. Under his government, Thailand's standing on major indices of corruption improved substantially.[7][8][9] Universal health care, or universal healthcare, is health care coverage which is extended to all citizens, and sometimes permanent residents, of a governmental region. ... A physician visiting the sick in a hospital. ...


However, his government was frequently challenged with allegations of corruption, dictatorship, demagogy, treason, conflicts of interest, acting undiplomatically, tax evasion, the use of legal loopholes and hostility towards a free press.[10] He was accused of lèse-majesté, selling domestic assets to international investors, and religious desecration.[11][12] Independent bodies, including Amnesty International, also expressed concern at Thaksin's human rights record. Human Rights Watch described Thaksin as "a human rights abuser of the worst kind", alleging that he participated in media suppression and presided over extrajudicial killings.[13] A series of attacks in 2005 and 2006 by Sondhi Limthongkul and his People's Alliance for Democracy destroyed Thaksin's name and reputation.[14] He was also subject to several purported assassination attempts.[15][16] Demagogy (from Greek demos, people, and agogos, leading) refers to a political strategy for obtaining and gaining political power by appealing to the popular prejudices, fears, and expectations of the public — typically via impassioned rhetoric and propaganda, and often using nationalistic or populist themes. ... The Finland Plot, Finland Plan, Finland Strategy or Finland Declaration are names of a theory expoused by Sondhi Limthongkul and supporters affiliated with the Peoples Alliance for Democracy in 2006 explaining a plot allegedly developed by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and former left-wing student leaders to overthrow the... Conflicts of Interest is an episode from the fourth season of the science-fiction television series Babylon 5. ... This article contrasts tax evasion, tax avoidance, tax resistance and tax mitigation. ... Freedom of speech in Thailand was guaranteed in the articles 39, 40, 41 in the 1997 Constitution. ... 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 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. ... Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Amnesty international Amnesty International (commonly known as Amnesty or AI) is an international non-governmental organization which defines its mission as to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience... Human rights are rights which some hold to be inalienable and belonging to all humans. ... Human Rights Watch Banner Human Rights Watch is a United States-based international non-government organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. ... Thailand has a well-developed media sector, especially by Southeast Asian standards. ... For other uses, see Censor. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Extrajudicial punishment. ... The 2005-2006 Thai political crisis was a series of events that ended the political career of Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand. ... Sondhi Limthongkul (Thai: สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) (Chinese: 林明達 Lin Ming Da) is a controversial Thai journalist and the owner of the Phujatkarn Daily (ผู้จัดการรายวัน), a local Thai newspaper. ... PADs protesters marching in Siamsquare district The Peoples Alliance for Democracy is a coalition of protesters against the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand. ...


On 19 September 2006, a military junta known as the Council for National Security (CNS) overthrew his government in a bloodless coup while he was attending a UN meeting in New York. His diplomatic passport was revoked after the CNS accused him of engaging in political activities and Thai embassies were ordered not to facilitate his travels. All pro-Thaksin websites were also blocked or shut down.[17] A junta-appointed dissolved the Thai Rak Thai party and banned Thaksin and the TRT's executive team of 111 politicians from engaging in politics for 5 years.[18] The junta also appointed an Assets Examination Committee that froze his bank accounts, claiming that he had become unusually wealthy during his term in government, and demanded that he return to Thailand to face charges of corruption.[19][20][21] The deposed Thai Prime Minister returned to Thailand from 17 months of exile abroad on February 28, 2008 to fight corruption charges.[22] Although Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont guaranteed his safety, CNS President Sonthi Boonyaratkalin warned him that he could be assassinated if he returned to Thailand. is the 262nd day of the year (263rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A military junta is government by a committee of military leaders. ... This article focuses on the military junta that overthrew the elected civilian government of Thailand in the 2006 Thailand coup. ... 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. ... UN redirects here. ... This article is about the state. ... For Microsoft Corporation’s “universal login” service, formerly known as Microsoft Passport Network, see Windows Live ID. For other types of travel document, see Travel document. ... is the 59th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... Assassin and Assassins redirect here. ...


Thaksin is commonly referred to by the Thai press as "maew" (Thai แม้ว) which is, the derogative term for a northern Thailand hill tribe also known as Hmong. He is married to Potjaman Shinawatra, and has one son, Panthongtae and two daughters, Pintongtha and Peathongtarn. Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra (born Potjaman Damapong) is the wife of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. ... Panthongtae Shinawatra (born December 2, 1979) (Thai: พานทองแท้ ชินวัตร), nickname Oak, is the only son of Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. ...

Contents

Family background

Thaksin's great-grandfather Seng Sae Khu (surname )was a Hakka Chinese immigrant from Meizhou, Guangdong who arrived in Siam in the 1860s and settled in Chiang Mai in 1908. His eldest son, Chiang Sae Khu, was born in Chanthaburi in 1890 and married a Thai woman, called Saeng Somna. Chiang's eldest son, Sak, adopted the Thai surname Shinawatra ("does good routinely") in 1938 because of the country's anti-Chinese movement and the rest of the family also adopted it. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... For other uses, see Hakka (disambiguation). ... Meizhou (梅州) is a prefecture-level city of eastern Guangdong Province in the south of the Peoples Republic of China. ... Not to be confused with the former Kwantung Leased Territory in north-eastern China. ... For the country formerly called Siam see Thailand SIAM is an acronym for Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. ... Chanthaburi is a town in Thailand, capital of the Chanthaburi Province. ...


Thaksin's father, Lert, was born in Chiang Mai in 1919 and married Yindi Ramingwong. In 1968, Lert Shinawatra entered politics and became an MP for Chiang Mai and deputy leader of the now-defunct Liberal party. Lert Shinawatra quit politics in 1976.


Thaksin's great-grandfather Seng Sae Khu made his fortune through tax farming. The Khu/Shinawatra later founded Shinawatra Silks and then by moving into finance, construction and property development. Lert Shinawatra opened a coffee shop, grew oranges and flowers in Chiang Mai's San Kamphaeng district, and opened two movie theatres, a gas station, and a car and motorcycle dealership. By the time Thaksin was born, the Shinawatra family was one of the richest and most influential families in Chiang Mai. Tax farming was originally a Roman practise whereby the burden of tax collection was removed from the Roman State to private individuals or groups. ... Chiang Mai (Thai เชียงใหม่) is the second-biggest province (changwat) of Thailand, located in the north of the country. ... San Kamphaeng is a district (amphoe) of Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand. ...


Early life

Thaksin was born in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai. Thaksin grew up in the village of Sankamphaeng until he was 15, after which he moved to Chiang Mai city to study at Montfort College. At 16, he helped run one of his father's cinemas.[23] San Kamphaeng is a district (amphoe) of Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand. ... Montfort College is a private school located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. ...


Police career

Thaksin attended the 10th class of the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School.[24] He then attended the Thai Police Cadet Academy and upon graduation, he joined the Royal Thai Police Department in 1973. He later went on to obtain a master's degree in criminal justice from Eastern Kentucky University in the United States, in 1975. In 1978 he received a doctorate in criminal justice at Sam Houston State University in Texas with a dissertation on "An Analysis of the Relationship Between the Criminal Justice Educational Process and the Attitude of the Student Toward the Rule of Law."[25] Returning to Thailand, he reached the position of Deputy Superintendent of the Policy and Planning Sub-division, General Staff Division, Metropolitan Police Bureau. He married Potjaman Damapong, the daughter of a police general, in 1980.[26] The Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School (Thai: โรงเรียนเตรียมทหาร) is a Thai military academy, providing an education equivalent to the last two years of senior high school (years 11-12). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Sam Houston State University, (known as SHSU and Sam, for short) founded in 1879, is a public university located in Huntsville, Texas. ... For other uses, see Texas (disambiguation). ... Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra (born Potjaman Damapong) is the wife of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. ...


Business career

Early successes and failures

Thaksin and his wife ventured into several businesses while Thaksin was still in the police force. These included opening a silk shop, opening a movie theatre, and developing an apartment building. All of these ventures were failures, and left him over 50 million Baht in debt. He established ICSI in 1982 which leased computers to government agencies and was a modest success. However, later ventures in security systems (SOS) and public bus radio services (Bus Sound) were failures.[27][28] In April 1986, he founded Advanced Info Service (AIS), which started off as a computer rental business.[29] A typical megaplex (AMC Rolling Hills 20 in Rolling Hills Estates, California). ... This article is about the structure. ... Advanced Info Service PCL is Thailands largest GSM mobile phone operator with 17. ...


In 1987, after resigning from the police force, he marketed a Thai romance drama called "Baan Sai Thong",[30] which became a popular success in theaters.[31] In 1988 he joined with Pacific Telesis to operate and market the PacLink pager service, which was a modest success, although Thaksin later sold out his stake in PacLink to establish his own paging company.[27][32] In 1989 Thaksin launched IBC, a cable television company, which lost money and was later merged with the CP Group's UTV.[27][33] In 1989, Thaksin established a data networking service, Shinawatra DataCom, which was a failure.[27] It is today known as Advanced Data Network, and is owned by AIS and the TOT.[34] For current information on this topic, see AT&T. Pacific Telesis Group was one of the seven Regional Bell Operating Companies created after the 1984 breakup of AT&T as a holding company for Pacific Bell and Nevada Bell. ... For terminal pagers, see more (Unix) or less (Unix). ... Cable TV redirects here. ...


Advance Info Service and subsequent ventures

In October 1990, Advanced Info Service launched analog 900 MHz mobile phone services after receiving a 20 year concession from the Telephone Organization of Thailand in March and later being the first company allowed to operate on the GSM 900 frequency.[35] The mobile phone boom in Thailand was just beginning, with Total Access Communications receiving a concession one month later to the GSM 1800 frequency.[36] AIS grew rapidly and was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in November 1991. It established a GSM network in 1994 and eventually became the largest mobile phone operator in Thailand.[37] Advanced Info Service PCL is Thailands largest GSM mobile phone operator with 17. ... MegaHertz (MHz) is the name given to one million (106) Hertz, a measure of frequency. ... In politics, a concession is the act of a candidate yielding to the other condidate. ... TOT Public Company Limited is a Thai state-owned telecommunications company. ... The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is the national stock exchange of Thailand. ... The Global System for Mobile communications (GSM: originally from Groupe Spécial Mobile) is the most popular standard for mobile phones in the world. ... A mobile phone operator (also wireless carrier) is a telephone company that provides phone services for mobile phone subscribers. ...


The Shinawatra Computer and Communications Group was founded in 1987 and listed in The Stock Exchange of Thailand in 1990. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is the national stock exchange of Thailand. ...


In 1990, Thaksin founded Shinawatra Satellite, which has developed and operated a total of four Thaicom communications satellites. In Thailand based Shinawatra Computer and Communications Co. ... U.S. military MILSTAR communications satellite A communications satellite (sometimes abbreviated to comsat) is an artificial satellite stationed in space for the purposes of telecommunications. ...


In 1999, the Shinawatra family spent approximately 1 billion baht establishing Shinawatra University in Pathum Thani's Sam Khok district. The private university offered international programs in engineering, architecture, and business management. After the 2006 military coup, half of the junior students dropped out, fearing repercussions in the job market. As of 2007, the University had an endowment of 300 million baht.[38] Amphoe Mueang Pathum Thani is the capital of the Pathum Thani province, Thailand, located directly north of Bangkok at 14°3′ N 100°29′ E. It forms the capital district of the province (Amphoe Mueang) has a population of 129,649 (2000). ... Engineering is the discipline and profession of applying scientific knowledge and utilizing natural laws and physical resources in order to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems, and processes that realize a desired objective and meet specified criteria. ... This article is about building architecture. ... Management (from Old French ménagement the art of conducting, directing, from Latin manu agere to lead by the hand) characterises the process of leading and directing all or part of an organization, often a business, through the deployment and manipulation of resources (human, financial, material, intellectual or intangible). ...


In 2000, Thaksin acquired the ailing iTV television station from the Crown Property Bureau, Nation Multimedia Group, and Siam Commercial Bank.[39][40] The title of this article should be iTV (Thailand). ... The Crown Property Bureau is a Thai non-government agency responsible for managing the personal assets of the King of Thailand and his immediate family. ... Nation Multimedia Group Public Company Limited (Thai: บริษัท เนชั่น มัลติมีเดีย กรุ๊ป จำกัด (มหาชน)) is a media company based in Thailand. ... Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited, is a Thai commercial bank. ...


Entry into politics

Political debut as Foreign Minister in the first Chuan government

Thaksin entered politics in late 1994 through Chamlong Srimuang, who had just reclaimed the position of Palang Dharma Party (PDP) leader from Boonchu Rojanastien. In a subsequent purge of Boonchu-affiliated PDP Cabinet ministers, Thaksin was appointed Foreign Minister in December 1994, replacing Prasong Soonsiri.[41] Chamlong Srimuang (Thai: จำลอง ศรีเมือง, born 5 July 1935) is a controversial Thai activist and former politician. ... The Phalang Dharma Party is a Thai political party founded by Chamlong Srimuang and supporters of the Santi Asoke sect of Buddhism in 1988. ... Boonchu Rojanastien (born January 20, 1921, Chon Buri Province, Thailand, died March 19, 2007, Bangkok)[1] was a Thai-Hainanese banker. ... Prasong Soonsiri is a Thai politician, and former Royal Thai Air Force squadron leader, Thai Foreign Minister, and head of the Thai National Security Council. ...


The PDP soon withdrew from the government over the Sor Por Kor 4-01 land reform corruption scandal, causing the government of Chuan Leekpai to collapse. Chuan Leekpai on the cover of Asiaweek magazine Chuan Leekpai (Thai: , Chinese: ; pinyin: ; 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. ...


PDP leader and Deputy Prime Minister in the Banharn government

Chamlong, strongly criticized for mishandling internal PDP politics in the last days of the Chuan-government, retired from politics and hand-picked Thaksin as new PDP leader. Thaksin ran for election for the first time for the constitutional tribunal and lost.


Thaksin joined the government of Banharn Silpa-Archa and was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Bangkok traffic. In May 1996, Thaksin and 4 other PDP ministers quit the Banharn Cabinet (while retaining their MP seats), prompting a Cabinet reshuffle. Many have claimed that Thaksin's move was designed to help give Chamlong Srimuang a boost in the June 1996 Bangkok Governor elections, which Chamlong returned from retirement to contest.[42] Chamlong lost the election - he and incumbent Governor former PDP-member Krisda Arunwongse na Ayudhya were defeated by Bhichit Rattakul, an independent. Banharn Silpa-Archa (Thai: , born 19 August 1932 in Suphanburi Province) was the 21st Prime Minister of Thailand, from 13 July 1995 till 1 December 1996. ...


Chamlong's failure to buttress the PDP's failing power base in Bangkok amplified internal divisions in the PDP, particularly between Chamlong's "temple" faction and Thaksin's faction. Soon afterwards, Chamlong announced he was retiring again from politics.


Thaksin and the PDP pulled out of the Banharn-government in August 1996. In a subsequent no-confidence debate, the PDP gave evidence against the Banharn government. Soon afterwards, Banharn dissolved Parliament in September 1996.


Fall of the PDP

Thaksin announced that he would not run in the subsequent November 1996 elections, but would remain as leader of the PDP. Some speculated that Thaksin wanted to resign from the party leadership. The PDP suffered a fatal defeat in the elections, winning only 1 seat in Parliament. The PDP soon imploded, with most members resigning.


Although there was much controversy about the root causes of the fall of the PDP, most agree that it was due to internal divisions in the party. Particularly divisive were conflicts between the Chamlong "temple" faction and subsequent generations of outsiders, including Thaksin.


Deputy Prime Minister in the Chavalit government

On 15 August 1997, Thaksin became Deputy Prime Minister in Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's government. This occurred soon after the Thai Baht was floated and devalued in 2 July 1997, sparking the Asian Financial Crisis. Thaksin held this position for only 3 months, leaving on November 14 after Chavalit resigned. This article is about the day of the year. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... 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). ... is the 183rd day of the year (184th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... 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. ... is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...


During a censure debate on 27 September 1997, Democrat Suthep Thaugsuban accused Thaksin of profiting on insider information about the government's decision to float the Baht.[43] However, the subsequent Democrat party led government did not investigate the accusations. is the 270th day of the year (271st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ...


Formation of the Thai Rak Thai Party and the 2001 elections

Thaksin founded the Thai Rak Thai ("Thais Love Thais" - TRT) party in 1998 along with Somkid Jatusripitak, PDP ally Sudarat Keyuraphan, Purachai Piumsombun,[44] and 19 others. Thai Rak Thai Logo Thai Rak Thai (Thai: , lit. ... Somkid Jatusripitak (Thai: สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์ ) born 15 July 1953, Thai politician, is currently Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand. ... Sudarat Keyuraphan (born May 1, 1961, Thai: สุดารัตน์ เกยุราพันธ์ ) is a Thai politician and the deputy leader of the Thai Rak Thai party. ...


With a populist platform often attributed to Somkid, TRT promised universal access to healthcare, a 3-year debt moratorium for farmers, and 1 million THB locally-managed development funds for all Thai villages. Somkid Jatusripitak (Thai: สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์ ) born 15 July 1953, Thai politician, is currently Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand. ...


After Prime Minister Chuan dissolved parliament in November 2000, TRT won a sweeping victory in the January 2001 elections, the first election held under the Constitution of 1997. At the time, academics called the 2001 election the most open, corruption-free election in Thai history.[3] Thai Rak Thai won 248 parliamentary seats (more than any other party previously) and needed only 3 more seats to form a government. Nonetheless, Thaksin opted for a broad coalition to gain total control and avoid a vote of no confidence, with the Chart Thai Party (41 seats) and the New Aspiration Party (36 seats), while absorbing the smaller Seritham Party (14 seats).[45] This article needs cleanup. ... Chart Thai Party (พรรคชาติไทย phak chaat thai), also translated as the Thai Nation Party, is a conservative political party in Thailand. ...


Prime Minister of Thailand

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai on September 19, 2005
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai on September 19, 2005

As Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra initiated many distinctive policies affecting the economy, public health, education, energy, drugs, and international relations. He gained two landslide re-election victories.[8] Thaksin's policies have been particularly effective at reducing rural poverty[46] and at providing affordable health coverage to the people. Because of this, his main support base has been the rural poor.[47] Surakiart Sathirathai (Thai: สุรเกียรติ์ เสถียรไทย, born June 7, 1958, Bangkok) is a Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand oversseing Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture. ... is the 262nd day of the year (263rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...


His Cabinet was packed with academics, former student leaders, and former leaders of the Phalang Dharma party, including Prommin Lertsuridej, Chaturon Chaisang, Prapat Panyachatraksa, Surapong Suebwonglee, Somkid Jatusripitak, Surakiart Sathirathai, and Sudarat Keyuraphan. Traditional leaders of regional coalitions also became minor members of his Cabinet. The Phalang Dharma Party is a Thai political party founded by Chamlong Srimuang and supporters of the Santi Asoke sect of Buddhism in 1988. ... Prommin Lertsuridej, M.D. (born 5 November 1954) was a Thai politician, former student leader, former Secretary General to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, former Deputy Prime Minister in charge of economic affairs, and former Minister of Energy in the Thaksin government. ... Prapat Panyachatraksa was a student demonstrator during the the violent 1973 democracy movement during which he confronted an M-60 armed soldier armed with just a piece of wood, for which he was popularly nicknamed Ai Karn Yao (after the hero in the movie Walking Tall). ... Somkid Jatusripitak (Thai: สมคิด จาตุศรีพิทักษ์ ) born 15 July 1953, Thai politician, is currently Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand. ... Surakiart Sathirathai (Thai: สุรเกียรติ์ เสถียรไทย, born June 7, 1958, Bangkok) is a Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand oversseing Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture. ... Sudarat Keyuraphan (born May 1, 1961, Thai: สุดารัตน์ เกยุราพันธ์ ) is a Thai politician and the deputy leader of the Thai Rak Thai party. ...


His government has been frequently challenged with allegations of dictatorship, demagogy, corruption, conflicts of interest, human rights offences, acting undiplomatically, the use of legal loopholes and hostility towards a free press. A controversial leader, he has also been the target of numerous allegations of lèse-majesté, treason, usurping religious and royal authority, selling assets to international investors, religious desecration, and siding with the forces of darkness.[48][49] Demagogy (from Greek demos, people, and agogos, leading) refers to a political strategy for obtaining and gaining political power by appealing to the popular prejudices, fears, and expectations of the public — typically via impassioned rhetoric and propaganda, and often using nationalistic or populist themes. ... Freedom of speech in Thailand was guaranteed in the articles 39, 40, 41 in the 1997 Constitution. ... Lese majesty or leze majesty (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 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. ...


Economic policies

see also: Policies of the Thaksin government#Economic and health policies and Thaksinomics.

Thaksin's government had designed its policies to appeal to the rural majority, initiating programs like village-managed microcredit development funds, low-interest agricultural loans, direct injections of cash into village development funds (the SML scheme), infrastructure development, and the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) rural small and medium enterprise development program. As Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra initiated many distinctive policies affecting the economy, public health, education, energy, drugs, and international relations. ... Thaksinomics is a term used to refer to the economic policies of Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand since 2001. ... Microcredit is the extension of very small loans (microloans) to the unemployed, to poor entrepreneurs and to others living in poverty who are not considered bankable. ... One Tambon One Product (OTOP) was a local entrepreneurialism stimulus program designed by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during the 2001-2006 Thai Rak Thai government. ...


Together called Thaksinomics, Thaksin's economic policies helped bring about Thailand's economic recovery from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and substantially reducing rural poverty. The GDP grew from THB 4.9 trillion to THB 7.1 trillion. Thailand repaid its debts to the International Monetary Fund 2 years ahead of schedule. Between 2000 and 2004, income in the poorest part of the country, the Northeast, rose 40 per cent while nation-wide poverty fell from 21.3 per cent to 11.3 per cent.[50] The Stock Exchange of Thailand outperformed other markets in the region. After facing fiscal deficits in 2001 and 2002, Thaksin balanced the national budget, producing comfortable fiscal surpluses for 2003 to 2005. Despite a massive program of infrastructure investments, balanced budgets were projected for 2006 and 2007.[51] Public sector debt fell from 57% of GDP in 2001 to 41% in September 2006.[52][53] Foreign exchange reserves doubled from US$30 billion in 2001 to US$64 billion in 2006.[54] Thaksinomics is a term used to refer to the economic policies of Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand since 2001. ... 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. ... IMF redirects here. ... The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is the national stock exchange of Thailand. ... A budget deficit occurs when an entity (often a government) spends more money than it takes in. ... From a Keynesian point of view, a balanced budget in the public sector is achieved when the government has enough fiscal discipline to be able to equate the revenues with expenditure over the business cycles. ... From a Keynesian point of view, a balanced budget in the public sector is achieved when the government has enough fiscal discipline to be able to equate the revenues with expenditure over the business cycles. ...


Critics claim that Thaksinomics is little more than a Keynesian-style economic stimulus policy re-branded as something new and revolutionary. Economists from the Thailand Development Research Institute argue that other factors, such as a revival in export demand, were the primary cause behind the economy's recovery.[55] Others claimed that the policies got the rural poor "hooked on Thaksin's hand-outs."[56] Thaksinomics is a term used to refer to the economic policies of Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand since 2001. ... Keynesian economics (pronounced kainzian, IPA ), also called Keynesianism, or Keynesian Theory, is an economic theory based on the ideas of the 20th-century British economist John Maynard Keynes. ...


Thaksin helped bring part of Thailand's massive underground lottery system into the legal fold by operating a successful numbers game (Thai: หวย) run by the Government Lottery Office. Lottery sales of approx. 70 billion THB (2 billion USD) are used for social projects, including the "One District, One Scholarship" program which provided one student from a low-income family in each district with a scholarship to study overseas. Soon after Thaksin was deposed, the junta banned the lottery, claiming it was a social vice, luring the poor to become addicted to gambling, instead of working. In addition, the Supreme Court ruled that the Cabinet did not have the right to introduce the lottery without due political process. The scholarship program was also stopped.[57][58][59][60][61] The military junta also claimed that Thaksin's government "mischievously spent the proceeds in any way it saw fit".[62] The numbers game, or policy racket, is an illegal lottery played mostly in poor neighborhoods in U.S. cities, wherein the bettor attempts to pick three or four digits to match those that will be randomly drawn the following day. ...


The Thaksin government reduced the state's control of the media by privatizing MCOT, a large television and radio broadcaster.[63]


After the 2006 coup, many of Thaksin's economic policies were reversed, the OTOP program was rebranded, the Government Lottery Office's program was deemed illegal, and the government nationalized several media outlets and energy companies.


Healthcare policies

Thaksin initiated two key healthcare policies: subsidized universal health care and low-cost universal access to anti-retroviral HIV medication (ARVs). Thaksin's 30-baht/visit universal healthcare program won the applause of the general public, but was criticized by many doctors and officials.[64][65] Prior to the program's introduction, a large portion of the population had no health insurance and limited access to healthcare. The program helped increase access to healthcare from 76% of the population to 96% of the population.[66] The program also increased workloads for healthcare employees, and caused many doctors to switch to higher paying careers. It has been criticized for being underfunded. The program led some hospitals to seek alternative sources of income, leading to a boom in the medical tourism industry, with 1.3 million foreign patients earning Thailand 33 billion THB (approx. 800 million USD) in 2005.[67][68] Medical tourism (also called medical travel or health tourism) is a term initially coined by travel agencies and the mass media to describe the rapidly-growing practice of traveling to another country to obtain health care. ...


Post-coup Public Health Minister Mongkol Na Songkhla called the 30-baht program a "marketing gimmick" and claimed that the government would "very soon" stop charging patients any fees for visits to state hospitals.[69]


During the Thaksin government, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS as well as the overall prevalence rate noticeably declined.[70] Although successful in expanding access to HIV medication, there have been concerns that a free trade agreement with the US could endanger Thailand's ability to produce generic HIV treatments.[71] In epidemiology, the prevalence of a disease in a statistical population is defined as the total number of cases of the disease in the population at a given time, or the total number of cases in the population, divided by the number of individuals in the population. ...


Thaksin allowed the estimated 2.3 million migrant workers in Thailand to register and seek health coverage under the Thai national healthcare system. They were also eligible for work permits at the end of the registration period, entitling them to full labor protection. Democrat Party Labour Group Committee Pongsak Plengsaeng criticized the move, claiming that it would lead to unemployment amongst Thais. Pongsak also claimed that alien workers in Thailand have a higher tendency to commit crimes. Thailand's unemployment rate at the time was 1.9%.[72][73][74] This article is part of or related to the Liberalism series Categories: Politics stubs | Liberal related stubs | Liberal parties | Thai political parties ...


Anti-drug policies

See also: Policies of the Shinawatra administration#Anti-drug policies

Thaksin initiated several highly controversial policies to counter a boom in the Thai drug market, particularly in methamphetamine. After earlier anti-drug policies like border blocking (most methamphetamine is produced in Myanmar), public education, sports, and promoting peer pressure against drug use proved ineffective, Thaksin launched a multi-pronged suppression campaign that aimed to eradicate methamphetamine use in 3 months. The policy consisted of changing the punishment policy for drug addicts, setting provincial arrest and seizure targets, awarding government officials for achieving targets, targeting dealers, and "ruthless" implementation. This article is about the psychostimulant, d-methamphetamine. ... Anthem Kaba Ma Kyei Capital Naypyidaw Largest city Yangon Official languages Burmese Demonym Burmese Government Military junta  -  Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Than Shwe  -  Prime Minister Soe Win  -  Acting Prime Minister Thein Sein Establishment  -  Bagan 849–1287   -  Taungoo Dynasty 1486–1752   -  Konbaung Dynasty 1752–1885   -  Colonial rule...


Over the next seven weeks, press reports indicate that more than 2,700 people were killed.[75] The Government claimed that only around 50 of the deaths were at the hands of the police. Human rights critics say a large number were extrajudicially executed.[76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86] The government went out of its way to publicize the campaign, through daily announcements of arrest, seizure, and death statistics. Extrajudicial execution and extrajudicial punishment are terms to describe death sentences and other types of punishment, respectively, executed without prior proper judicial procedure. ...


Thaksin's anti-drug approach was effective and extremely popular. According to the Narcotics Control Board, the policy was extremely effective in reducing drug consumption, especially in schools, at least until the 2006 coup.[87]


King Bhumibol, in his 2003 birthday speech, supported Thaksin's anti-drugs approach, although he did request the commander of the police to categorize the deaths between those killed by police and those killed by fellow drug dealers.[88] Police Commander Sant Sarutanond reopened investigations into the deaths, and again found that few of the deaths were at the hands of the police. A Bangkok university poll conducted in February 2003 revealed 92% of respondents backed Thaksin's approach.[89] Nevertheless, his anti-drug approach was widely criticized by international community. Thaksin requested that the UN Commission on Human Rights send a special envoy to evaluate the situation, but said in an interview, "The United Nations is not my father. I am not worried about any UN visit to Thailand on this issue."[90] Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Rama IX of Thailand His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej (ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช, Phumiphon Adunyadet), King Rama IX of Thailand (royal name Phra Chaoyuhua Bhumibol Adulyadej), the Great (born December 5, 1927), has been King of Thailand since 1946. ... The United Nations Commission on Human Rights, a commission supervised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, is composed of representatives from 53 member states, and meets each year in regular session in March/April for six weeks in Geneva. ... UN redirects here. ...


A year after the 2006 coup, the military junta ordered another investigation into the anti-drug campaign. Former Attorney General Kanit Na Nakhon chaired the special investigative committee. "The special committee will be tasked with an investigation to find out the truth about the deaths as well as to identify remedial measures for their relatives," said Justice Minister Charnchai Likhitjittha.[91]


The committee found that as many as 1400 of the 2500 killed had no link to drugs. However, while giving the opinion that orders to kill came from the top, the panel failed to establish sufficient evidence to charge Thaksin directly with the murders.[92] The Nation (an English-language newspaper in Thailand) reported on November 27, 2007: External Links: MangoDaily. ... is the 331st day of the year (332nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ...

"Of 2,500 deaths in the government's war on drugs in 2003, a fact-finding panel has found that more than half was not involved in drug at all. At a brainstorming session, a representative from the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) Tuesday disclosed that as many as 1,400 people were killed and labeled as drug suspects despite the fact that they had no link to drugs. ... Senior public prosecutor Kunlapon Ponlawan said it was not difficult to investigate extra-judicial killings carried out by police officers as the trigger-pullers usually confessed."[93][94]

Corruption

Transparency International reported that Thailand's reputation for transparency among business executives improved during the years of the Thaksin government. In 2001, Thailand's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) was 3.2 (ranked 61), whereas in 2005, the CPI was 3.8 (ranked 59).[95][96][97] However the a study of Worldwide Governance Indicators by World Bank gave lower score on Control of Corruption during 2002-2005, Thaksin's government, compared to 1998-2000 of earlier government.[98] Transparency International (TI) is an international organisation addressing corruption, including, but not limited to, political corruption. ... Overview of the index of perception of corruption, 2006 Since 1995, Transparency International has published an annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)[1] ordering the countries of the world according to the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among public officials and politicians.[2] The organization defines corruption as... 2005 World Map of the Corruption Index, which measures the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among businesses, public officials and politicians. ... The World Bank logo The World Bank (the Bank) is a part of the World Bank Group (WBG), is a bank that makes loans to developing countries for development programs with the stated goal of reducing poverty. ...


Education policies

See also: Policies of the Thaksin government#Education policies

Thaksin implemented a major series of educational reforms during his government. Chief among those reforms was school decentralization, as mandated by the 1997 People's Constitution.[99] The policy was designed to delegated school management from the over-centralized and bureaucratized Ministry of Education to Tambon Administrative Organizations (TAOs). The plan met with massive widespread opposition from Thailand's 700,000 teachers, who would be deprived of their status as civil servants. There was also widespread fear from teachers that TAOs lack the skills and capabilities required to manage schools. In the face of massive teacher protests and several threats of school closure, Thaksin compromised and gave teachers whose schools were transferred to TAO management two years to transfer to other schools.[100] As Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra initiated many distinctive policies affecting the economy, public health, education, energy, drugs, and international relations. ...


Other reforms included learning reform and related curricular decentralization, mostly through greater use of holistic education and less use of rote learning.[101]


To increase access to universities for lower income people, Thaksin initiated the Student Loan Fund (SLF) and Income Contingency Loan (ICL) programs. The ICL granted loans regardless of financial status, and required recipients to start repayments when their salaries reach 16,000 Baht a month, with an interest rate equivalent to inflation from the day the loan was granted. The SLF had an eligibility limit on family income but carried interest of 1%, starting one year after graduation. The programs were merged and the income limit modified after Thaksin's government was overthrown.[102] Thai banknotes and coins. ...


Thaksin also initiated the controversial "One District, One Dream School" project, aimed at developing the quality of schools to ensure that every district has at least one high-quality school. The project was criticized, with some claiming that the only beneficiaries were Thaksin and companies selling computers and educational equipment. Many schools also fell deeply into debt in implementing the project, receiving less than adequate financial support from the central government.[103][104]


In addition, Thaksin altered the state university entrance system. Whereas the former system relied exclusively on a series of nationally standardized exams, Thaksin pushed for a greater emphasis on senior high-school grades, claiming this would focus students on classroom learning rather than private entrance exam tutoring.


Thaksin initiated the Income Contingency Loan program to increase access to higher education. Under the program, needy students may secure a loan to support their studies from vocational to university levels. Thai banks had traditionally not given education loans. Thaksin made Thailand one of the first supporters of Nicholas Negroponte's One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project, with the Thai Ministry of Education committing to purchase 600,000 units.[105] However, the military junta later cancelled the project. Nicholas Negroponte Nicholas Negroponte (born 1943) is an architect and computer scientist best known as the founder and Chairman Emeritus of Massachusetts Institute of Technologys Media Lab. ... First working prototype of $100 laptop One Laptop Per Child is a non-profit organization set up to oversee the $100 laptop project. ...


Energy policies

See also:Policies of the Thaksin government#Energy policies and Energy Industry Liberalization and Privatization (Thailand)

In energy policy, the Thaksin government continued the Chuan Leekpai government's privatization agenda, but with important changes. Whereas the Chuan government's post-Asian financial crisis policies sought economic efficiency through industry fragmentation and wholesale power pool competition,[106] Thaksin's policies aimed to create national champions that could reliably support stronger economic growth and become important players in regional energy markets.[107] Thaksin also initiated a policies to encourage renewable energy and energy conservation. Many Thaksin-era energy policies were reversed following the 2006 coup. As Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra initiated many distinctive policies affecting the economy, public health, education, energy, drugs, and international relations. ... Thailands energy industry has been in a decade-long process of liberalization and privatization since the government of Anand Panyarachun. ... Chuan Leekpai on the cover of Asiaweek magazine Chuan Leekpai (Thai: , Chinese: ; pinyin: ; 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. ... 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. ... An electricity market is a system for effecting the purchase and sale of electricity using supply and demand to set the price. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ...


South Thailand insurgency

See also: South Thailand insurgency

A resurgence in violence began in 2001 in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand which all have a Muslim, ethnic Malay majority. There is much controversy about the causes of this escalation of the decades long insurgency. Attacks after 2001 concentrated on police, the military, and schools, but civilians have also been targets. Thaksin has been widely criticized for his management of the situation, in particular the storming of the Krue Se Mosque, the deaths of civilian protesters at Tak Bai in Army custody, and the unsolved kidnapping of Muslim-lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit.[108] Combatants  Thailand Mujahideen Pattani Movement (BNP) Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO) Pattani Islamic Mujahideen Movement (GMIP) Mujahideen Islamic Pattani Group National Revolution Front (BRN) Pattani Liberation National Front (BNPP) Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) Commanders Bunrot Somthat Surayud Chulanont Wan Kadir Wan Che Casualties More than 3,000 killed 2,729 civilian... Somchai Neelapaijit (May 13, 1951 - ??) is a Thai Muslim-lawyer and human right activist. ...


In October 2004, 84 Muslim human rights protesters were killed at Tak Bai when the Army broke up a peaceful protest.[109] The many detainees were forced at gunpoint to lie prone in Army trucks, stacked like cordwood. The trucks were delayed from moving to the detainment area for hours. Many detainees suffocated to death due to gross mishandling by the military. After the 2006 coup, the Army dropped all charges and investigations into Army misconduct related to the Tak Bai incident. Thaksin announced an escalation of military and police activity in the region.[110] In July 2005, Thaksin enacted an Emergency Decree to manage the three troubled provinces. Several human rights organizations expressed their concerns that the decree might be used to violate civil liberties.[111]


In March 2005, Thaksin established the National Reconciliation Commission, chaired by former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun to oversee efforts to bring peace to the troubled South. In its final report released in June 2006, the commission proposed introducing Islamic law and making Pattani-Malay (Yawi) an official language in the region. The Thaksin administration assigned a government committee to study the report, while Muslims urged the government to act faster in implementing the proposals.[112] Anand Panyarachun (born August 9, 1932) was Thailands Prime Minister twice, between 1991-1992 and once again in 1992. ... Shariah (Arabic: transliteration: ) is the body of Islamic religious law. ... Yawi is the transcription of the Thai word ยาวี, which Thai people understand to be the Patani Malay language (or Bahasa Melayu Patani in Malay). ...


Administrative reform

Ministerial restructuring

One of the most visible of Thaksin's administrative reforms was the restructuring of government department and ministries, labeled the "big bang." It was hailed as a "historic breakthrough" and "the first major reorganization of ministries since King Chulalongkorn set up Thailand’s modern system of departmental government in 1897." Such a restructuring had been studied for years as a means of undermining the perceived rigidities and inertia of the old system, but was never implemented until the Thaksin government.[113]


The restructuring was designed to streamline the bureaucracy and focus it on performance and results. New ministries were carved out in Social and Human Security Development, Tourism and Sports, Natural Resources and Environment, Information and Communication Technology, and Culture.


CEO-governors

Thaksin transformed the role of provincial governors from ceremonial supervisors of ministry officials to active managers of government policy. Historically, central government ministries operated in the provinces through field offices headed by senior officials, who reported back to Bangkok. The Ministry of Interior appointed provincial governors whose role was largely ceremonial.


A key component of Thaksin's administrative reform policy, "CEO-governors" epitomized Thaksin's "transformation of the operating style of the traditional bureaucracy into a more results-oriented instrument that would be responsive." Piloted in 2001 and introduced in all provinces in October 2003, CEO-governors were put in charge of planning and coordinating provincial development and became accountable for overall provincial affairs. The "CEO governors" were assisted by "provincial CFOs" from the Ministry of Finance who reported directly to each governor. The CEO-Governors were authorized to raise funds by issuing bonds and were given an intensive training course.[114] After the coup, the junta reverted the role of governors.


Foreign policies

Thaksin was fiercely attacked for tasking diplomats with supporting domestic economic programs, e.g., promoting OTOP products. Surapong Jayanama, former ambassador to Vietnam claiming that Thaksin's policies were "demeaning" and would do little to enhance Thailand's international stature.[115] One Tambon One Product (OTOP) was a local entrepreneurialism stimulus program designed by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during the 2001-2006 Thai Rak Thai government. ...


Thaksin also initiated negotiations for several free trade agreements with China, Australia, Bahrain, India, and the US. This policy was also criticized, with claims that high-cost Thai industries could be wiped out.[116] Free trade is an economic concept referring to the selling of products between countries without tariffs or other trade barriers. ...


Thailand joined George W. Bush's multinational coalition in the invasion of Iraq, sending a 423-strong humanitarian contingent. It withdrew its troops on 10 September 2004. Two Thai soldiers died in Iraq in an insurgent attack. is the 253rd day of the year (254th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...


Thaksin has also announced that Thailand would forsake foreign aid, and work with donor countries to assist in the development of neighbors in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.[117]


Thaksin has also been attacked by influential former diplomats for acting undiplomatically with foreign leaders. Kasit Pirom, former Thai ambassador to Japan and the United States, noted at an anti-Thaksin rally "When Khun Thaksin went to the United Nations to attend a joint UN-Asean session, he did not behave properly when addressing the session, which was co-chaired by the UN secretary-general and the Malaysian premier. In his address Thaksin did not mention the name of the Malaysian premier".[118] Hymn The ASEAN Hymn Jakarta, Indonesia Membership 10 Southeast Asian states Leaders  -  Secretary General Ong Keng Yong Area  -  Total 4,497,4931 km²  Expression error: Unrecognised punctuation character , sq mi  Population  -   estimate 566. ...


However, he established close, friendly ties with the Burmese dictatorship, including extending the neighboring country a Bt. 4 billion credit line so it could conclude a satellite telecom deal with his family business.[119]


Thaksin has also been attacked for his support of Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai's failed campaign to become UN Secretary General.[120][121][122][123] Surakiart Sathirathai (Thai: สุรเกียรติ์ เสถียรไทย, born June 7, 1958, Bangkok) is a Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand oversseing Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture. ...


2005 re-election campaign

Under the slogans "Four Years of Repair — Four years of Reconstruction" and "Building Opportunities", Thaksin and the TRT won landslide victories in the February 2005 elections, sweeping 374 out of 500 seats in Parliament. The election had the highest voter turnout in Thai history and was noted for the marked reduction in vote-buying compared to previous elections.[124][125][6] Legislative elections were held in Thailand on 6 February 2005. ...


Suvarnabhumi Airport

After 40 years of planning and debate, the Thaksin government completed the construction of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport. The airport was officially opened a week after the overthrew of the government. It is one of the world's largest airports. Departure screen at Suvarnabhumi Structure at Suvarnabhumi Airport Terminal Suvarnabhumi Airport (Thai: ),(IATA: BKK, ICAO: VTBS), also known as (New) Bangkok International Airport, is the international airport serving Bangkok, Thailand. ...


Some members of Thaksin's government were accused of corruption while overseeing the construction of Suvarnabhumi Airport, although the charges were never proven, even after the 2006 military coup. Several allegation of corruption have been made regarding the construction of Suvarnabhumi Airport, a new international airport serving Bangkok, Thailand. ...


Other criticisms

There have also been complaints that Thaksin appointed relatives to senior positions in the civil service and independent commissions, for example by elevating his cousin, General Chaiyasit Shinawatra, to Army commander-in-chief. In August 2002, he was promoted from Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces Development Command to become Deputy Army Chief. Both General Chaiyasit and Defense Minister General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh denied charges of nepotism at the time. General Chaiyasit replaced General Somthad Attanan as Army commander-in-chief.[126] However, General Chaiyasit was replaced by General Prawit Wongsuwan in August 2004, after only a year in office. His replacement was in response to an escalation of violence in southern Thailand. Prawit was succeeded by Sonthi Boonyaratglin in 2005.[127][128] Chaiyasit Shinawatra is the Army-in-chief of Thailand. ... 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). ... Combatants  Thailand Mujahideen Pattani Movement (BNP) Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO) Pattani Islamic Mujahideen Movement (GMIP) Mujahideen Islamic Pattani Group National Revolution Front (BRN) Pattani Liberation National Front (BNPP) Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) Commanders Bunrot Somthat Surayud Chulanont Wan Kadir Wan Che Casualties More than 3,000 killed 2,729 civilian... Sonthi Boonyaratkalin (right) named Man of the Year 2006 by Khom Chad Luek newspaper along with Sondhi Limthongkul General Sonthi Boonyaratglin (Thai: , RTGS: Sonthi Bunyaratkalin) (b. ...


Thaksin was also accused of interference after the Senate appointed Wisut Montriwat (former Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance) to the position of Auditor General, replacing Jaruvan Maintaka. Jaruvan Maintaka (Thai: จารุวรรณ เมณฑกา), born 1947, is the current Auditor-General (Thai: ผู้ว่าการตรวจเงินแผ่นดิน) of the Kingdom of Thailand. ...


Respected former Thai ambassador to the UN Asda Jayanama, in an anti-Thaksin rally, claimed that Thaksin's two state visits to India were made in order to negotiate a satellite deal for Thaksin's family-owned Shin Corporation. The accusation was countered by Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon, who attended the state visits with Thaksin.[129] Asda Jayanama is a former career diplomat of the Kingdom of Thailand. ... Shin Corporation (SET: SHIN; NASDAQ: SHNZY; NASDAQ: SHNVF; NASDAQ: SHNUF) is the largest conglomerate in Thailand. ... Kantathi Suphamongkhon (Thai กันตธีร์ ศุภมงคล, born April 3, 1952) is a Thai diplomat and politician. ...


Thaksin's government has been accused of exerting political influence in its crackdown on unlicensed community radio stations.[130] It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Censorship in Thailand. ...


Thaksin has also been accused of being superstitious.


Thaksin often faced harsh comparisons. Social critic Prawase Wasi compared him to AIDS, Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda and Senator Banjerd Singkaneti compared him to Hitler, Democrat spokesman Ong-art Klampaibul compared him to Saddam Hussein, and the newspaper The Nation compared him to Pol Pot.[131][132][133] For other uses, see AIDS (disambiguation). ... General Prem Tinsulanonda (Thai: , born August 26, 1920) is a former Thai military officer and was Prime Minister of Thailand from March 3, 1980 to Aug 4, 1988. ... Banjerd Singkaneti (Thai: บรรเจิด สิงคะเนต) is Assistant Professor of Law at Thammasat University and was a noted critic of Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. ... Hitler redirects here. ... Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti (28 April 1937 – 30 December 2006) was the fifth President of Iraq and Chairman of the Iraqi Revolutionary Command Council from 1979 until his overthrow by US forces in 2003. ... External Links: MangoDaily. ... Saloth Sar (May 19, 1925 – April 15, 1998), aliases Pol, Pouk, Hay, Grand-Uncle, First Brother, 87, Phem, 99, and best known as Pol Pot[1], was the leader of the communist movement called Khmer Rouge and the Prime Minister of Cambodia (officially renamed the Democratic Kampuchea during his rule...


Thaksin has been engaged in a series of lawsuits brought by American businessman William L Monson regarding a cable-television joint venture the two partnered in during the 1980s. William L Monson after a court dismissed perjury charges he filed against Thaksin Shinawatra, 11 September 2006 William Bill L Monson is an American cable television businessman and the current President of Seattle-based Clearview International and Clearview Wireless and manager of Hawaii-based CTVC. In the 1980s, Monson...


Political crisis of 2005-2006

See also: Thailand political crisis 2005-2006

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. ...

Accusations by Sondhi Limthongkul

The political crisis was catalyzed by several accusations published by media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, a former Thaksin supporter. These included accusations that Thaksin: Sondhi Limthongkul (Thai: สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) (Chinese: 林明達 Lin Ming Da) is a controversial Thai journalist and the owner of the Phujatkarn Daily (ผู้จัดการรายวัน), a local Thai newspaper. ...

  • Restricted press freedom by suing Sondhi after Sondhi printed a sermon by a controversial monk (see Luang Ta Maha Bua incident)
  • Masterminded the desecration of the Erawan shrine (see Phra Phrom Erawan Shrine incident)

Luang Ta Maha Bua (Thai: หลวงตามหาบัว ) is the common name of Pra Dharma Visuthimongkol (Thai: พระธรรมวิสุทธิมงคล ), a controversial Buddhist monk from Thailand. ... 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. ... View of the shrine from the skytrain The four-faced Brahma (Phra Phrom) statue Flowers and incense around the shrine Thai dance performed for Brahma The statue after restoration The Erawan Shrine (Thai: , read San Phra Phrom) is a Hindu/Buddhist shrine in Bangkok, Thailand that houses a statue of... 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. ...

Sale of Shin Corporation

On January 23, 2006, the Shinawatra family sold their entire stake in Shin Corporation to Temasek Holdings. The Shinawatra and Damapong families netted about 73 billion baht (about US$1.88 billion) tax-free from the sale, using a regulation that made individuals who sell shares on the stock exchange exempt from capital gains tax.[134] The 2006 sale of the Shinawatra familys share of Shin Corporation to Temasek Holdings caused great controversy in Thailand. ... is the 23rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Shin Corporation (SET: SHIN; NASDAQ: SHNZY; NASDAQ: SHNVF; NASDAQ: SHNUF) is the largest conglomerate in Thailand. ... Temasek Holdings is the investment arm of the Singapore government and owned 100% by the Ministry of Finance. ... Thai banknotes and coins. ... For all other forms of taxation, see tax Tax rates around the world Tax revenue as % of GDP Economic policy Monetary policy Central bank   Money supply Fiscal policy Spending   Deficit   Debt Trade policy Tariff   Trade agreement Finance Financial market Financial market participants Corporate   Personal Public   Banking   Regulation        A capital gains...


The transaction made the Prime Minister the target of accusations that he was selling an asset of national importance to a foreign entity, and hence selling out his nation. The Democrat party spokesman compared him to Saddam Hussein: "Saddam, though a brutal tyrant, still fought the superpower for the Iraqi motherland". Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti (28 April 1937 – 30 December 2006) was the fifth President of Iraq and Chairman of the Iraqi Revolutionary Command Council from 1979 until his overthrow by US forces in 2003. ...


Anti-Thaksin and pro-Thaksin rallies

See also: Thailand political crisis 2005-2006

Thaksin faced pressure to resign following the sale of Shin Corporation to Temasek Holdings. 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. ... Temasek Holdings is the investment arm of the Singapore government and owned 100% by the Ministry of Finance. ...


Anti-Thaksin protestors, led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), consisted mainly of middle-class Bangkokians. They also included prominent social figures. PADs protesters marching in Siamsquare district The Peoples Alliance for Democracy is a coalition of protesters against the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand. ...


Media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul was a prominent leader of the protests. These were joined by academics, students, and the middle class. Sondhi Limthongkul (Thai: สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) (Chinese: 林明達 Lin Ming Da) is a controversial Thai journalist and the owner of the Phujatkarn Daily (ผู้จัดการรายวัน), a local Thai newspaper. ...


House dissolution and the April 2006 Legislative Election

National legislative elections were held in Thailand. ...

House dissolution

Thaksin announced a House dissolution on 24 February 2006. General elections were scheduled for 2 April. In parliamentary systems, a dissolution of parliament is the dispersal of a legislature at the call of an election. ... is the 55th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 92nd day of the year (93rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...


Thaksin was criticized for calling the snap elections. In an editorial, The Nation noted that the election "fails to take into consideration a major fallacy of the concept [of democracy], particularly in a less-developed democracy like ours, in which the impoverished, poorly informed masses are easily manipulated by people of his ilk. And Thaksin's manipulation has been well documented.."[135]


Election results

Thaksin's TRT Party won a victory in the boycotted elections, with 462 seats in Parliament with ratio of voters to no-voters of 16-10.[136]


However, by-elections were needed for 40 TRT candidates (mostly from the Democrat-dominated south) who failed to win the minimum required 20% in an uncontested vote.[137][138] The Democrat Party refused to contest the by-elections[137] and, along with the People's Alliance for Democracy, petitioned the Central Administrative Court to cancel them.[139] Chamlong Srimuang declared that the PAD would ignore the elections and "go on rallying until Thaksin resigns and Thailand gets a royally-appointed prime minister".[140] PADs protesters marching in Siamsquare district The Peoples Alliance for Democracy is a coalition of protesters against the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand. ...


By-elections

Boycotted by-elections in 40 constituencies on 25 April resulted in the TRT winning 25 of the constituencies and losing in 2 constituencies. Yet another round of by-elections on 29 April was scheduled for 13 constituencies. The Thai Rak Thai Party was later accused of and later found guilty of hiring smaller parties to contest the election, while the Democrat Party was later accused of hiring smaller parties to not contest the election. According to the 1997 Constitution, uncontested election winners must win at least 20% of registered voters. These by-elections were suspended by the Constitution Court while it deliberated whether or not to disqualify the elections. is the 115th day of the year (116th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 119th day of the year (120th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...


Invalidation of the April elections

In 8 May 2006, the Constitutional Court ruled 8-6 to invalidate the April elections based on the awkward positioning of voting booths. The ruling was called a landmark case in judicial activism.[141] The Democrat Party, which had boycotted the April elections, said they were now ready to contest an October election.[142] is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 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. ...


A new election was ordered, later set for 15 October. The Court found the Election Commissioners guilty of malfeance in their management of the April election and jailed them. The 15 October election was cancelled when the military seized power on 19 September. 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. ... 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. ... 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. ...


After the April 2006 election

Break from politics

Thaksin announced on April 4, 2006 that he would not accept the post of Prime Minister after the Parliament reconvenes, but would continue as Caretaker Prime Minister until then.[143] is the 94th day of the year (95th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...


He then delegated his functions to Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Wannasathit, moved out of Government House, and went on vacation. Chitchai Wannasathit is currently the caretaking Prime Minister of Thailand. ...


September 2006 Coup

Main article: 2006 Thailand coup d'état

In the evening of 19 September 2006, while Thaksin was visiting New York City, USA to attend a United Nations summit and to speak at the Council on Foreign Relations, the army took control of Bangkok. Inside Government House, close to 50 soldiers ordered approximately 220 policemen in the complex to lay down their weapons. Troops also surrounded the Thaicom satellite receiving station and state-run television station Channel 11. By the morning of 20 September, tanks and military vehicles armed with machine guns were stationed at Government House, the Royal Plaza and government units along Rajdamnoen Avenue.[144] 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. ... is the 262nd day of the year (263rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... New York, New York and NYC redirect here. ... UN redirects here. ... The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an influential and independent, nonpartisan foreign policy membership organization founded in 1921 and based at 58 East 68th Street (corner Park Avenue) in New York City, with an additional office in Washington, D.C. Through its membership, meetings, and studies, it has been... Location within Thailand Coordinates: , Country Settled Ayutthaya Period Founded as capital 21 April 1782 Government  - Type Special administrative area  - Governor Apirak Kosayothin Area  - City 1,568. ... In Thailand based Shinawatra Computer and Communications Co. ... is the 263rd day of the year (264th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...


Troops participating in the coup were from the 1st and 3rd Army Regions, the Internal Security Operations Command, the Special Warfare Centre and Army units in Nakhon Ratchasima and Prachin Buri provinces and sections of the Navy.[145] According to coup leader Army Commander General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the coup leaders had arrested Deputy Prime Minister Chitchai Wannasathit and Defense Minister Thammarak Isaragura na Ayuthaya.[146] Troops who refused to take part in the coup took mainly a neutral stance and did nothing to prevent the coup. The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) is a unit of the Thai military devoted to national security issues. ... Sonthi Boonyaratkalin (right) named Man of the Year 2006 by Khom Chad Luek newspaper along with Sondhi Limthongkul General Sonthi Boonyaratglin (Thai: , RTGS: Sonthi Bunyaratkalin) (b. ... Chitchai Wannasathit (Thai ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) was the acting caretaker Prime Minister of Thailand from April to May 2006, when Thaksin Shinawatra took a break from his duties as prime minister following a disappointing showing in elections; Thaksin returned to his duties after more than a month. ... Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayuthaya (Thai:ธรรมรักษ์ อิศรางกูร ณ อยุธยา) is a former Thai military officer, politician, co-founder of the Thai Rak Thai party, and former Defence Minister. ...


The military, originally calling itself the Council for Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarch (CDRM), issued a statement citing the government's alleged lèse majesté, corruption, interference with state agencies, and creation of social divisions as reasons for the coup.[147] It declared the king of Thailand the head of state, and said elections will be held soon to return democracy to the country. Shinawatra later arrived in Britain, where he has family and are currently staying at the Dorchester Hotel in London. This article focuses on the military junta that overthrew the elected civilian government of Thailand in the 2006 Thailand coup. ... 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 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a country in western Europe, and member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the G8, the European Union, and NATO. Usually known simply as the United Kingdom, the UK, or (inaccurately) as Great Britain or Britain, the UK has four constituent... The Dorchester is a leading luxury hotel on Park Lane in Mayfair, London, overlooking Hyde Park. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ...


Thai Rak Thai party

Many Thai Rak Thai party members were reported to have resigned from the party in the aftermath of the coup. These included Somsak Thepsuthin and 100 members of the Wang Nam Yom faction. It was not clear whether Suriya Jungrungreangkit, another influential member of the faction would also resign. Sonthaya Kunplome also was reported to have led 20 members of the Chonburi faction in resigning from the party. Fear that the party would be dissolved by the junta and its members banned from politics fueled the defections.[148][149] Thai Rak Thai Logo Thai Rak Thai (Thai: , lit. ... Suriya Jungrungreangkit (born December 10, 1954, Thai: สุริยะ จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ) is a Thai politician of the Thai Rak Thai party. ...


On 2 October 2006 Thaksin Shinawatra and his former deputy Somkid Jatusipitak resigned from the Thai Rak Thai Party.[150][151] Chaturon Chaisang took over as party head. is the 275th day of the year (276th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...


Meanwhile, court cases against the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat parties regarding election fraud in the April 2006 elections continued.


2006 Bangkok New Year's Eve bombings

Main article: 2006 Bangkok bombings

On 31 December 2006 and 1 January 2007, several bombs exploded in Bangkok. Thaksin later went on CNN to deny any involvement in the bombings.[152] For the car bomb found in Bangkok on August 2006, see August 2006 Bangkok car bomb. ... is the 365th day of the year (366th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ...


Thaksin was assaulted while eating at a Thai restaurant in London. A Thai woman threw a glass at him - it was not known whether he was injured.[153]


His diplomatic passport was revoked in 31 December 2006 after the junta accused him of engaging in political activities while in exile. Thai embassies were ordered not to facilitate his travels. Category: ... is the 365th day of the year (366th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...


In a subsequent trip to Russia to receive an honorary degree in science from the Plehanov Academy of Economics, Thaksin's passport and suitcase were stolen when he was eating at a McDonalds. The Thai Embassy in Moscow was willing to provide him a new travel document.[154] This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... McDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is the worlds largest chain of fast-food restaurants [1]. Although McDonalds did not invent the hamburger or fast food, its name has become nearly synonymous with both. ... For other uses, see Moscow (disambiguation). ...


In January 2007, the Financial Institutions Development Fund complied with an Assets Examination Committee request to file a charge against Thaksin and his wife over their purchase of four 772 million baht plots of land from the FIDF in 2003. The charge was based on alleged violation of Article 100 of the National Counter Corruption Act, which specificies that government officials and their spouses are prohibited from entering into or having interests in contracts made with state agencies under their authorisation. As in truth, this particular law, has been proposed before the Thaksin's regime, by the Democrats. Thai banknotes and coins. ...


The Assets Examination Committee also accused Thaksin of issuing an unlawful cabinet resolution approving the spending of state funds to buy rubber saplings. However, it did not accuse him of corruption.


In March 2007, the Office of the Attorney-General charged Thaksin's wife and brother-in-law of conspiring to evade taxes of 546 million baht (US$15.6 million) in a 1997 transfer of Shin Corp shares.


The Assets Examination Committee rules that Thaksiin was guilty of malfeasance for obstructing competition by passing an executive decree that imposed an excise tax for telecom operators. Thaksin's Cabinet approved an executive decree in 2003 that forced telecom operators to pay an excise tax of 10% on revenues for mobile phone operations, and 2% for fixed-line operations.


Purchase of Manchester City Football Club

While Prime Minister, Thaksin offered to buy the English Premiership football club Fulham from owner Mohamed al-Fayed. After al-Fayed rebuffed his offer for the club, Thaksin unsuccessfully bid to buy fellow Premiership club Liverpool.[155] For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... For other sports leagues which may be referred to by this name, see List of professional sports leagues. ... Look up Football in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Current season Fulham Football Club are an English football team based in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. ... Wax statue of Mohammad Fayed Mohamed Abdel Moneim Fayed (Arabic: محمد الفايد ) (born January 27, 1929) is an Egyptian businessman. ... Liverpool Football Club are an English professional football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside, who play in the Premier League; they are historically the most successful club in the history of English football, having won more trophies than any other English club. ...


On June 21, 2007 Thaksin Shinawatra lodged, and had accepted, an £81.6 million bid for another Premiership club, Manchester City. On 6 July he completed purchase of the required 75%[156] of the club's shares to take the company off the Stock Exchange and became Chairman of the club. Sven-Göran Eriksson was appointed the new club manager.[157] is the 172nd day of the year (173rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Manchester. ... is the 187th day of the year (188th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...   (IPA: , born 5 February 1948) is a Swedish football manager. ...


Manchester City supporters have nicknamed him Frank, after the singer Frank Sinatra. However, Manchester City Supporters have soon turned against their new Chairman after rumours arose that he was about to sack the club's manager Sven-Göran Eriksson despite him achieving City's highest ever Premiership finish [158] Sinatra redirects here. ...   (IPA: , born 5 February 1948) is a Swedish football manager. ...


Dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai Party

On 30 May 2007, the Constitutional Tribunal dissolved the Thai Rak Thai Party and banned over 100 of its executives, including Thaksin, from politics for 5 years. The ruling was based on charges that two Thai Rak Thai party executives (Defense Minister Thammarak Issarangkura na Ayudhya and Pongsak Raktapongpaisarn) bribed a smaller party to stand in the April 2006 election. It is also noted that the Democrat party, under the same type of accusation, charges were lifted. Furthermore, article 309 of the 2007's constitution has given full pardon towards any 'Wrong' action taken by the Junta. is the 150th day of the year (151st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... General elections were held in Thailand in April 2006. ...


Return to Thailand

Thaksin had been residing in Woking, Surrey, southeast of England. In May 2007, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said Thaksin was free to return to Thailand, and he would personally guarantee Thaksin's safety, heavily conflicting Sonthi's statements. Woking is a large town in England, in the west of Surrey. ... For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... May 2007 is the fifth month of that year. ...


On January 8, 2008, Thaksin Shinawatra's wife Pojaman Shinawatra was arrested on arrival at Bangkok, but was released on bail of 5m baht ($149,000, £75,600) after appearing at the Supreme Court with order not to leave the country.[159] She is set to be tried for alleged violation of stock-trading and land sale laws, but only 2 relatively minor cases had been successfully filed in court against the spouses.[160] is the 8th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... Location within Thailand Coordinates: , Country Settled Ayutthaya Period Founded as capital 21 April 1782 Government  - Type Special administrative area  - Governor Apirak Kosayothin Area  - City 1,568. ... This article is about the legal term. ... For other uses, see Stock (disambiguation). ...


On February 28, 2008, Thaksin Shinawatra was released by the Supreme Court, on bail (after short detention upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, aboard a Thai Airways flight from Hong Kong, after 17 months in exile). Thaksin stated that "he would not re-enter politics and wished to focus on his football interests - he owns Manchester City and was traveling with two of the British club's players."[161][162] His claim, however, bears reexamination as he was instrumental in picking Thailand's current cabinet and prime minister. On March 12, 2008, Thaksin Shinawatra pleaded not guilty before chief judge Thongloh Chom-ngam, Supreme Court in one of his 2 criminal corruption cases. Thaksin was excused to appear on April 29 and at every hearing. The court ordered him to report back on April 11 after granting his monthlong travel to England (regarding his English Premier League soccer team Manchester City F.C.).[163] is the 59th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... Suvarnabhumi is ancient name for lower Burma or the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. ... Location within Thailand Coordinates: , Country Settled Ayutthaya Period Founded as capital 21 April 1782 Government  - Type Special administrative area  - Governor Apirak Kosayothin Area  - City 1,568. ... Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Manchester. ... is the 71st day of the year (72nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... For other sports leagues which may be referred to by this name, see List of professional sports leagues. ...


See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:
Thaksin Shinawatra

Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Wikiquote is one of a family of wiki-based projects run by the Wikimedia Foundation, running on MediaWiki software. ... 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 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. ... Thaksinomics is a term used to refer to the economic policies of Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand since 2001. ... Sondhi Limthongkul (Thai: สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) (Chinese: 林明達 Lin Ming Da) is a controversial Thai journalist and the owner of the Phujatkarn Daily (ผู้จัดการรายวัน), a local Thai newspaper. ... PADs protesters marching in Siamsquare district The Peoples Alliance for Democracy is a coalition of protesters against the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand. ... Bangkoks Democracy Monument: a representation of the 1932 Constitution sits on top of two golden offering bowls above a turret. ...

Notes

  1. ^ "Deposed Thai PM quits party role", CNN, October 3, 2006. 
  2. ^ Bangkok Post, Thaksin seals Man City takeover, 6 July 2007
  3. ^ a b Robert B. Albritton and Thawilwadee Bureekul, Developing Democracy under a New Constitution in Thailand, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica Asian Barometer Project Office Working Paper Series No. 28, 2004
  4. ^ Pongsudhirak Thitinan, "Victory places Thaksin at crossroads", Bangkok Post, February 9, 2005
  5. ^ "Unprecedented 72% turnout for latest poll", The Nation, February 10, 2005. 
  6. ^ a b Aurel Croissant and Daniel J. Pojar, Jr., Quo Vadis Thailand? Thai Politics after the 2005 Parliamentary Election, Strategic Insights, Volume IV, Issue 6 (June 2005)
  7. ^ The World Bank, Thailand Economic Monitor, November 2005
  8. ^ a b Protesters Jam Bangkok, but Rural Thais Love the Leader. The New York Times, 6 March 2006
  9. ^ "Formation of a Single-Party Government", February 6, 2006. 
  10. ^ BBC News, A fit and proper Premiership?
  11. ^ The Star, Dreaded day dawns – despite lies and dark forces, 2 April 2006
  12. ^ The Nation, Vandal's dad distraught, 23 March 2006
  13. ^ BBC News A fit and proper Premiership?
  14. ^ The Nation, Will the AEC's step add more fuel to the fire?, 12 June 2007
  15. ^ IHT, Thai Leader Narrowly Escapes Jet Explosion, 5 March 2007
  16. ^ The Nation, 'Bomb plot to kill Thaksin foiled', questions linger, 25 August 2006
  17. ^ The Nation, FM cancel ousted premier and wife's diplomatic passports, 10 January 2007
  18. ^ The Economist, The Party is Over, 31 May 2007
  19. ^ The Nation, Thaksin's assets frozen, 12 June 2007
  20. ^ The Nation, Thaksin: Freeze won't affect Man City deal, 23 June 2007
  21. ^ The Nation, Slighted Sawat resigns from AEC, 2 October 2006
  22. ^ CNN, Lawyer: Thaksin 'poised' to return, 25 February 2008
  23. ^ BBC News, Billionaire hopes to score Liverpool deal, 18 May 2004
  24. ^ Bangkok Post, Thaksin's classmates close ranks behind him on his 57th birthday, 27 July 2006
  25. ^ ProQuest-Dissertation Database
  26. ^ Pasuk Phongpaichit & Chris Baker, "The Only Good Populist is a Rich Populist: Thaksin Shinawatra and Thailand's Democracy, October 2002
  27. ^ a b c d Transcript of an interview between Thaksin Shinawatra and Cheeptham Khamwisit (Thai: ชีพธรรม คำวิเศษณ์) on the Thaiventure.com program on FM 102 radio station
  28. ^ Personal background from personal website
  29. ^ Google Cache of a JobTopGun profile of AIS's corporate milestones
  30. ^ "Thaksin Shinawatra-a biography", Bangkok Post, unknown. 
  31. ^ "Thai govt pins border hopes on soaps", The Nation, May 25, 2002. 
  32. ^ Billionaire hopes to score Liverpool deal 18 May, 2004
  33. ^ UBC 2004 Annual Report, page 8
  34. ^ List of subsidiaries from the AIS website
  35. ^ AIS corporate website, click on "About AIS", "Company profile", and then "1990"
  36. ^ DTAC, Milestones 2002-1990
  37. ^ AIS corporate website, click on "About AIS", "Company profile", and then "1994"
  38. ^ Bangkok Post, Shinawatra University, founded by ex-PM, falls on hard times, 23 July 2007
  39. ^ Taming The Media: Allegations of political interference cast a cloud over Thaksin's incoming administration February 16, 2001. Asia Week Vol.27 No.6
  40. ^ The Television Business, Democracy and The Army December 1998
  41. ^ Asia Times, Grumbles, revelations of a Thai coup maker, 22 December 2006
  42. ^ Thailand: Double Trouble For the PM: A parliamentary vote splits the government coalition May 24, 1996
  43. ^ Pressure from below: Supporters of the new, improved Constitution now have to help turn words into action October 10, 1997
  44. ^ MSU alumni, friends, honored for outstanding achievements: Purachai Piumsombun of Bangkok, Thailand October 14, 2004
  45. ^ Aurel Croissant and Jörn Dosch, Old Wine in New Bottlenecks? Elections in Thailand under the 1997 Constitution. Leeds East Asia Papers no. 63 (Leeds: University of Leeds, 2001), page 16
  46. ^ The World Bank, Thailand Economic Monitor, November 2005
  47. ^ Protesters Jam Bangkok, but Rural Thais Love the Leader. The New York Times, 6 March 2006
  48. ^ The Star, Dreaded day dawns – despite lies and dark forces, 2 April 2006
  49. ^ The Nation, Vandal's dad distraught, 23 March 2006
  50. ^ The World Bank, Thailand Economic Monitor, November 2005
  51. ^ Asian Development Bank, Asian Development Outlook 2006: Thailand
  52. ^ The Nation, Public debt end-Sept falls to 41.28% of GDP, 17 November 2006
  53. ^ World Bank, Thailand Economic Monitor, October 2003
  54. ^ The Nation, Black Tuesday: Did the BOT overreact?, 25 December 2006
  55. ^ TDRI ECONOMISTS: Thaksinomics 'not a driver of growth' - Wichit Chaitrong, The Nation, March 30, 2006
  56. ^ The Nation, Forget the apologies, let the PM rebuild democracy, 5 October 2006
  57. ^ The Nation, "Ministry suspends lottery sales", 18 November 2006
  58. ^ "Studying Abroad: Students find Germany challenging", The Nation, July 20, 2005. 
  59. ^ "Thaksin to visit students when he is unemployed", The Nation, July 17, 2006. 
  60. ^ "Intoxicated" Thailand losing billions to lottery: study September 5, 2004
  61. ^ The Nation, Justice permanent secretary to seek abolition of jackpot price of Govt lottery, 5 October 2006
  62. ^ The Nation, Lotteries move lacks understanding, 3 May 2007
  63. ^ The Nation, Activists call for MCOT delisting, 24 November 2006
  64. ^ "Dual-track system", Bangkok Post, Unknown. 
  65. ^ "Bt30 health scheme still lacks funds, says official", The Nation, July 14, 2006. 
  66. ^ "Thaksin lauds his own achievements", Bangkok Post, Unknown. 
  67. ^ 85 Bogus Doctors Arrested In Thailand Last Year June 6, 2006
  68. ^ First International Trade Exhibition and Conference on Medical Tourism, Spa and Wellness Industries, in Bangkok, March 20-23 2008 2007
  69. ^ The Nation, Bt30 health fee may be scrapped, 14 October 2006
  70. ^ Follow-up to the declaration of commitment on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) December 2004
  71. ^ "Public Health at Risk: A US Free Trade Agreement could threaten access to medicines in Thailand", The Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (Oxfam). 
  72. ^ Public Relations Department, Democrat party labour group casts doubts on extension for foreign laboureres, 8 December 2006
  73. ^ The Irrawaddy, Restrictions Eased for Migrant Workers in Thailand, 21 July 2004
  74. ^ Thai jobless lowest in world, 7 December 2006
  75. ^ The War on Drugs, HIV/AIDS, and Violations of Human Rights in Thailand. Human Rights Watch.
  76. ^ "A Wave of Drug Killings Is Linked to Thai Police". By Seth Mydans. April 8, 2003. New York Times. [1]
  77. ^ Amnesty International report: Thailand: Grave developments - Killings and other abuses.
  78. ^ Human Rights Watch. Detailed report: Thailand: Not Enough Graves: IV. Human Rights Abuses and the War on Drugs
  79. ^ "Thailand War on Drugs Turns Murderous, 600 Killed This Month -- Human Rights Groups Denounce Death Squads, Executions". Drug War Chronicle, February 21, 2003.
  80. ^ Matthew Z Wheeler. "From Marketplace to Battlefield: Counting the Costs of Thailand’s Drug War." [2] [3] [4]. May 28, 2003. ICWA Letters. Institute of Current World Affairs.
  81. ^ Timeline of Thailand’s “War on Drugs”. July 7, 2004. Human Rights Watch.
  82. ^ "Institutionalised torture, extrajudicial killings & uneven application of law in Thailand". April 2005. See Annex 5 for a "Partial list of persons reported killed during the ‘war on drugs’ (revised)." Asian Legal Resource Centre. From Vol. 04 - No. 02: "Special Report: Rule of Law vs. Rule of Lords in Thailand".
  83. ^ "Thailand: Not Smiling on Rights". July 18, 2005. Asian Centre for Human Rights. See page 24, the section called "Killings in the war against drugs".
  84. ^ "Letter from Asia; She Tilts Against Power, but Don't Call Her Quixotic." By Jane Perlez. July 7, 2004. New York Times.
  85. ^ "US-Thailand’s 'License To Kill'. 2274 Extra-Judicial Killings In 90 Days". The Akha Journal of the Golden Triangle. By Matthew McDaniel. Vol. 1, No. 2, October 2003. Relevant section of journal 2: 2p6.pdf - Cover and first part of journal 2: 2p1.pdf - Link list for all parts of the journals.
  86. ^ Thailand 2003. Extrajudicial drug-war killings of innocent people. Photo gallery. Press/media links, and human rights reports.
  87. ^ Thailand: Public Senses War On Drugs Futile 20 March 2005
  88. ^ (Thai) Royal Jubilee Network, 2003 Birthday Speech of King Bhumibol Adulyadej
  89. ^ "Thai drugs war attacked", BBC, February 24, 2003. 
  90. ^ "DRUG-RELATED KILLINGS: Verify the toll, say diplomats", The Nation, March 4, 2003. 
  91. ^ Bangkok Post, August 3, 2007. "Kanit to chair extrajudicial killings probe".
  92. ^ "Thailand's drug wars. Back on the offensive". January 24, 2008. The Economist.
  93. ^ "Most of those killed in war on drug not involved in drug". November 27, 2007. The Nation (an English-language newspaper in Thailand).[5]
  94. ^ "Southeast Asia: Most Killed in Thailand's 2003 Drug War Not Involved With Drugs, Panel Finds". November 30, 2007. Drug War Chronicle.
  95. ^ Thai Public Relations Department, "Thailand’s Image on Transparency", 26 October 2004
  96. ^ Transparency International TI 2005 Corruption Perceptions Index
  97. ^ Transparency International, Corruption Perceptions Index 2001
  98. ^ Worldwide Governance Indicators
  99. ^ Thaksin Government 2001 Policy Statement, Section 11.1
  100. ^ Crisis in the ‘Land of the Smile’ International Viewpoint, Online magazine: IV376 - March 2006
  101. ^ Thai News Agency, Rote learning to be eliminated from schools, says PM, 21 January 2006
  102. ^ The Nation, New student loan scheme to have higher family-income limit, 13 November 2006
  103. ^ "Suicide puts spotlight on model schools’ money woes", The Nation, September 15, 2005. 
  104. ^ "THAI TALK: Nightmares haunt dream-school project", The Nation, October 13, 2005. 
  105. ^ The Nation, "CROSSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: Sipa hopes for equal access for all children nationwide", 15 August 2005
  106. ^ Far Eastern Economic Review, "Power Politics Trump Reform", 27 September 2001
  107. ^ Bangkok Post, "Raising sector efficiency `crucial': Utility's B140bn debt strains public purse"
  108. ^ The New York Times, U.N. Criticizes Emergency Powers, Warren Hoge, July 22, 2005
  109. ^ At least 84 people killed in Southern Thailand 26 October 2004
  110. ^ Somchai Phatharathananunth "Civil Society and Democratization" p.222
  111. ^ Emergency Decree Violates Thai Constitution and Laws. Human Rights Watch (August 4, 2005).
  112. ^ "Government shrugs off NRC final report", The Nation, June 7, 2006. 
  113. ^ Martin Painter, Managerial Reform and Political Control: the Case of Thaksin and the Thai Bureaucracy*, Department of Public and Social Administration, City University of Hong Kong, http://www.sog-rc27.org/Paper/Scancor/Martin_Painter.doc
  114. ^ CEO governors mini-premiers, says PM: Can issue bonds, use management methods. Kellogg School of Management (August 17, 2003).
  115. ^ "Ex-envoy castigates Thaksin's diplomacy: Foreign policy for domestic consumption 'was demeaning'", The Nation, March 19, 2006. 
  116. ^ FTA Watch Group website
  117. ^ Thaksin's Chance for Leading Role in the Region. Straits Times (March 10, 2004).
  118. ^ "Ex-envoys tell of 'multi-tasking' premier", The Nation, March 17, 2006. 
  119. ^ 'Thaksin to face charges over Burma telecom deal. ICT News, August 2, 2007 url: http://www.burmait.net/ict-news/2007/aug07/thaksin-to-face-charges-over-burma-telecom-deal/
  120. ^ "Ex-envoys slam foreign policy", The Nation, March 16, 2006. 
  121. ^ "Ex-envoy slam foreign policy", The Nation, March 16, 2006. 
  122. ^ "French leader’s visit time to reconsider Surakiart’s UN bid", The Nation, February 17, 2006. 
  123. ^ Eye on UNESCAP. United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (February 17, 2006).
  124. ^ Pongsudhirak Thitinan, "Victory places Thaksin at crossroads", Bangkok Post, February 9, 2005
  125. ^ "Unprecedented 72% turnout for latest poll", The Nation, February 10, 2005. 
  126. ^ "WATCHDOG: In Chaiyasit, PM’s power base more solid than ever", The Nation, August 31, 2003. 
  127. ^ "Military Re-shuffle: Chaisit out, Prawit ascends", The Nation, August 24, 2004. 
  128. ^ Army Commanders of Thailand. Royal Thai Army.
  129. ^ "Kantathi slams diplomats for accusations", The Nation, March 18, 2006. 
  130. ^ "Community-radio crackdown panned", The Nation, June 1, 2005. 
  131. ^ The Nation, Thailand has its 'Hitlers', 5 October 2006
  132. ^ Matichon, รุกเปิดเจ้าของ"แอมเพิลริช" จี้"แม้ว"ตอบ ยุแก้ลำเลิกใช้มือถือ"เอไอเอส", 30 January 2006
  133. ^ The Nation, Real war has just begun, 16 February 2006
  134. ^ "Complex transaction a model for avoiding tax, ownership law", The Nation, January 27, 2006. 
  135. ^ "Democracy put to the ultimate test", The Nation, March 21, 2006. 
  136. ^ "Thai Rak Thai win 16 million votes: Thaksin", The Nation, October 5, 2006. 
  137. ^ a b "38 one-horse candidates fail", The Nation, April 4, 2006. 
  138. ^ "Second round of elections be held on April 23", The Nation, October 5, 2006. 
  139. ^ "Democrat asks court to cancel 2nd round of election", The Nation, October 5, 2006. 
  140. ^ "PAD ignores vote results", The Nation, October 5, 2006. 
  141. ^ "End of the beginning in Thailand's crisis May 19, 2006", Bangkok Post. 
  142. ^ "Constitution Court invalidate the April election and order new election", The Nation, April 8, 2006. 
  143. ^ "Thai PM Thaksin says he'll stop down", Channel NewsAsia, April 4, 2006. 
  144. ^ "Thai armed forces seize Bangkok", Reuters, September 19, 2006. 
  145. ^ "Caretaker PM tries to fight back", The Nation, September 20, 2006. 
  146. ^ One night in Bangkok, 19 September 2006
  147. ^ "Statement from the military reformist", The Nation, September 20, 2006. 
  148. ^ "Sonthaya leads 20 members out of Thai Rak Thai", The Nation, October 3, 2006. 
  149. ^ "Somsak leads 100 members to resign from Thai Rak Thai", The Nation, October 3, 2006. 
  150. ^ "Thaksin resigns from Thai Rak Thai", The Nation, October 2, 2006. 
  151. ^ "Somkid resigns from Thai Rak Thai Party", The Nation, October 2, 2006. 
  152. ^ The Nation, Surayud suspects "power losers", January 1, 2007
  153. ^ The Nation, Compelling non-political reasons for Thaksin to stay put, 14 November 2006
  154. ^ The Nation, Ousted Thaksin applies for a new passport after his suitcase was stolen in Russia, 24 May 2007
  155. ^ Reuters, NEWSMAKER-City takeover keeps Thaksin in the political limelight, 6 July 2007
  156. ^ PLUS Markets Group Manchester City plc - Offer unconditional in all respects, 7 July 2007
  157. ^ Official Manchester City website, Sven-Goran Eriksson appointed Manchester City Manager 6 July 2007
  158. ^ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=565085&in_page_id=1779
  159. ^ news.bbc.co.uk/2, Thaksin's wife back in Thailand
  160. ^ news.bbc.co.uk, Ex-PM's wife set for Thai trial
  161. ^ www.presstv.ir, Ex-Thai PM arrives, detained, freed
  162. ^ news.bbc.co.uk, Former Thai PM Thaksin back home
  163. ^ "Thaksin Pleads Not Guilty in Thai Court". By Ambika Ahuja, March 12, 2008. Associated Press.

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External links

Wikinews has related news:
Thaksin Shinawatra
  • Thaksin Shinawatra’s official website, in Thai
  • Short biography at the website of the Thai embassy to the USA
  • Thaksinomics
  • Breaking Legal News A Collection of Media on Thaksin
  • Thaksin buys Manchester City FC
  • High tension in Thailand - a chronology of events in the political crisis of 2005-2006
  • (English) NewMandala, some good up-to-date commentary on Thaksin and the coup.
  • Thaksin's 15 January 2007 interview on CNN, censored by the military junta
Preceded by
Chuan Leekpai
Prime Minister of Thailand
2001–2006
Succeeded by
Surayud Chulanont


Image File history File links WikiNews-Logo. ... Wikinews is a free-content news source and a project of the Wikimedia Foundation. ... 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. ... is the 15th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... Chuan Leekpai on the cover of Asiaweek magazine Chuan Leekpai (Thai: , Chinese: ; pinyin: ; 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. ... 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 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... Phraya Manopakorn Nititada (Thai พระยามโนปกรณ์นิติธาดา), born Kon Hutasingha (Thai ก้อน หุตะสิงห์) (July 15, 1884-October 1, 1948) was Thailands first Prime Minister from (1932-1933). ... Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsonggram (July 14, 1897–June 11, 1964) (Thai แปลก พิบูลสงคราม or ป. พิบูลสงคราม, lastname sometimes spelled Phibunsongkhram, Phibul Songkhram or Pibul Songgram) was Prime Minister and military dictator of Thailand from 1938 to 1944 and 1948 to 1957. ... Major Khuang Abhaiwongse (May 17, 1902 - March 15, 1968; Thai ควง อภัยวงศ์) was three times prime minister of Thailand. ... Tawee Boonyaket (November 10, 1904 - November 3, 1971, Thai: ทวี บุณยเกต) was a Thai politician, including a short term as prime minister. ... Mom Rajawongse Seni Pramoj (May 20, 1905 - July 28, 1997), (Thai: ) was three times prime minister of Thailand and a politician active in the Democrat Party. ... Major Khuang Abhaiwongse (May 17, 1902 - March 15, 1968; Thai ควง อภัยวงศ์) was three times prime minister of Thailand. ... Pridi Phanomyong Pridi Phanomyong (May 11, 1900 - May 2, 1983) was a Thai politician. ... Rear Admiral Thawal Thamrong Navaswadhi (also spelled as Thawal Thamrongnavasawat) (November 21, 1901— December 3, 1988) was the 8th prime minister of Thailand from 1946-1947 Categories: | | | | ... Major Khuang Abhaiwongse (May 17, 1902 - March 15, 1968; Thai ควง อภัยวงศ์) was three times prime minister of Thailand. ... Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsonggram (July 14, 1897–June 11, 1964) (Thai แปลก พิบูลสงคราม or ป. พิบูลสงคราม, lastname sometimes spelled Phibunsongkhram, Phibul Songkhram or Pibul Songgram) was Prime Minister and military dictator of Thailand from 1938 to 1944 and 1948 to 1957. ... Pote Sarasin (March 25, 1905 - September 28, 2000) was a Thai diplomat and politician. ... Thanom Kittikachorn Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn (August 11, 1912 -June 16, 2004, Thai ถนอม กิตติขจร) was a Thai military leader and former prime minister of Thailand. ... Field Marshal Sarit Dhanarajata (Thai: สฤษดิ์ ธนะรัชต์, RTGS: Sarit Thanarat), (June 16, 1908 - December 8, 1963) staged a coup in 1957 and served as Thailands dictator until his death in 1963. ... Thanom Kittikachorn Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn (August 11, 1912 -June 16, 2004, Thai ถนอม กิตติขจร) was a Thai military leader and former prime minister of Thailand. ... Sanya Dharmasakti (Thai สัญญา ธรรมศักดิ์, 5 April 1907 - 6 January 2002) was the 12th Prime Minister of Thailand. ... Mom Rajawongse Seni Pramoj (May 20, 1905 - July 28, 1997), (Thai: ) was three times prime minister of Thailand and a politician active in the Democrat Party. ... Maj. ... Mom Rajawongse Seni Pramoj (May 20, 1905 - July 28, 1997), (Thai: ) was three times prime minister of Thailand and a politician active in the Democrat Party. ... Tanin Kraivixien (born April 5, 1927 in Bangkok, Thai: ธานินทร์ กรัยวิเชียร) was prime minister of Thailand between 1976 and 1977. ... General Kriangsak Chomanan (17 December 1917-23 December 2003) served as prime minister of Thailand from 1977 to 1980. ... General Prem Tinsulanonda (Thai: , born August 26, 1920) is a former Thai military officer and was Prime Minister of Thailand from March 3, 1980 to Aug 4, 1988. ... General Chatichai Choonhavan (5 April 1920—6 May 1998) was the Prime Minister of Thailand from 1988–1991. ... 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. ... Meechau Ruchuphan (Thai: ) was acting Prime Minister of Thailand following the military control of the government by. ... Anand Panyarachun (born August 9, 1932) was Thailands Prime Minister twice, between 1991-1992 and once again in 1992. ... Chuan Leekpai on the cover of Asiaweek magazine Chuan Leekpai (Thai: , Chinese: ; pinyin: ; 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. ... Banharn Silpa-Archa (Thai: , born 19 August 1932 in Suphanburi Province) was the 21st Prime Minister of Thailand, from 13 July 1995 till 1 December 1996. ... 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). ... Chuan Leekpai on the cover of Asiaweek magazine Chuan Leekpai (Thai: , Chinese: ; pinyin: ; 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. ... Sonthi Boonyaratkalin (right) named Man of the Year 2006 by Khom Chad Luek newspaper along with Sondhi Limthongkul General Sonthi Boonyaratglin (Thai: , RTGS: Sonthi Bunyaratkalin) (b. ... General (ret. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Thailand. ...

 v  d  e 
2005-2006 Thai political crisis
Main events     Timeline     Key persons and organizations   

Prelude The cover of The Economist magazine of April 8th–14th 2006, showing anti-Thaksin protesters. ...

Main events For legal and historical context, see the Constitutions of Thailand article Bangkoks Democracy Monument: a representation of the 1932 Constitution sits on top of two golden offering bowls above a turret. ... Combatants  Thailand Mujahideen Pattani Movement (BNP) Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO) Pattani Islamic Mujahideen Movement (GMIP) Mujahideen Islamic Pattani Group National Revolution Front (BRN) Pattani Liberation National Front (BNPP) Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) Commanders Bunrot Somthat Surayud Chulanont Wan Kadir Wan Che Casualties More than 3,000 killed 2,729 civilian... This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedias deletion policy. ...

Elections Several allegation of corruption have been made regarding the construction of Suvarnabhumi Airport, a new international airport serving Bangkok, Thailand. ... The 2006 sale of the Shinawatra familys share of Shin Corporation to Temasek Holdings caused great controversy in Thailand. ... The Finland Plot, Finland Plan, Finland Strategy or Finland Declaration are names of a theory expoused by Sondhi Limthongkul and supporters affiliated with the Peoples Alliance for Democracy in 2006 explaining a plot allegedly developed by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and former left-wing student leaders to overthrow the... Wikinews has news related to: Thaksin Shinawatra   (Thai: , IPA: ; born July 26, 1949 in Chiang Mai, Thailand), Thai businessman and politician, is the deposed Prime Minister of Thailand and the former leader of the populist Thai Rak Thai party. ... 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. ...

     

Military junta Legislative elections were held in Thailand on 6 February 2005. ... National legislative elections were held in Thailand. ... 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. ... Events in Thailand This page deals with March 2006 events in or of interest to Thailand and/or involving Thais. ... Events in Thailand This page deals with March 2006 events in or of interest to Thailand and/or involving Thais. ... Events in Thailand This page deals with February 2006 events in or of interest to Thailand and/or involving Thais. ... This page deals with current events in or of interest to Thailand and/or involving Thais. ... This page deals with current events in or of interest to Thailand and/or involving Thais. ... General Prem Tinsulanonda (Thai: , born August 26, 1920) is a former Thai military officer and was Prime Minister of Thailand from March 3, 1980 to Aug 4, 1988. ... This article focuses on the military junta that overthrew the elected civilian government of Thailand in the 2006 Thailand coup. ...

People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) Sonthi Boonyaratkalin (right) named Man of the Year 2006 by Khom Chad Luek newspaper along with Sondhi Limthongkul General Sonthi Boonyaratglin (Thai: , RTGS: Sonthi Bunyaratkalin) (b. ... General Saprang Kalayanamitr (Thai: สพรั่ง กัลยาณมิตร, also known as Poei (Thai:เปย) or Big Poei (Thai:บิ๊กเปย), born 8 July 1948 in Lampang, Thailand) is an officer of the Royal Thai Army, Assistant Secretary-General of the Council for National Security, Commander of the juntas 14,000-man anti-protest force, Chairman of... General Ruangroj Mahasaranon (born 28 March 1946; Thai: ) is the Supreme Commander General 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. ... 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. ... PADs protesters marching in Siamsquare district The Peoples Alliance for Democracy is a coalition of protesters against the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand. ...

Persondata
NAME Shinawatra, Thaksin
ALTERNATIVE NAMES ทักษิณ ชินวัตร (Thai)
SHORT DESCRIPTION Thai prime minister
DATE OF BIRTH July 26, 1949
PLACE OF BIRTH Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
DATE OF DEATH living
PLACE OF DEATH
Sondhi Limthongkul (Thai: สนธิ ลิ้มทองกุล) (Chinese: 林明達 Lin Ming Da) is a controversial Thai journalist and the owner of the Phujatkarn Daily (ผู้จัดการรายวัน), a local Thai newspaper. ... Chamlong Srimuang (Thai: จำลอง ศรีเมือง, born 5 July 1935) is a controversial Thai activist and former politician. ... Somkeit Pongpaibul is an Professor at Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, Nakohn Ratchasima Province, Thailand He is a life long advocate for the poor and a major critic on Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. ... Somsak Kosaisuuk is the secretary of the Thailands Federation of Government Owned Enterprise Labour. ... Pipob Thongchai after the speeh at the rally Pipob Thongchi is a famous Non Government Oranization leader who advocate for wide range of issues. ... is the 207th day of the year (208th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1949 (MCMXLIX) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Chiang Mai (Thai เชียงใหม่) is the second-biggest province (changwat) of Thailand, located in the north of the country. ...

  Results from FactBites:
 
BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | What next for Thaksin Shinawatra? (625 words)
Thaksin Shinawatra smiled for the cameras when he landed in the UK For a man so unused to defeat, Thailand's ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra must be bewildered by how quickly he lost power.
Mr Thaksin has a property in London, and a daughter studying in the British capital, but it is thought he may only remain in the city for a few more days.
The sale of Mr Thaksin's stake in the telecoms firm he founded, Shin Corp, to Singapore investors at the beginning of the year led to the current political crisis.
Thai court to hear Thaksin graft case - Boston.com (613 words)
Thaksin, who has lived overseas since his government was toppled in a coup last September, already has ignored previous orders from police to appear in Thailand to face corruption allegations, and his Bangkok attorney said he would not appear at Supreme Court hearing either.
Thaksin is charged with corruption, conflict of interest and dereliction of duty for personal gain in the case, involving a plot of land in central Bangkok valued at $24.5 million.
Thaksin, who became a billionaire in the telecommunications sector before entering politics and serving as prime minister from 2001 to 2006, was overthrown after demonstrations calling for him to step down because of alleged corruption and abuse of power.
  More results at FactBites »


 

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