The 2006 Thai Military Coup

On September 19, 2006, a significant political upheaval occurred in Thailand when a military coup d’état was orchestrated by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin. This event led to the ousting of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was abroad attending a United Nations meeting in New York City at the time.

Background

Thaksin Shinawatra, a telecommunications tycoon, had been a dominant figure in Thai politics since his election as Prime Minister in 2001. His tenure was marked by economic growth and popular policies aimed at reducing poverty and improving healthcare. However, his administration was also plagued by allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and increasing authoritarianism. These issues led to growing dissatisfaction among various segments of Thai society, including the military, the urban middle class, and royalists.

The Coup

• Date: September 19, 2006
• Leader: General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army
• Action: The military seized control of Bangkok and key government institutions, declaring martial law and suspending the constitution.
• Justification: The coup leaders cited the need to restore order and address the alleged corruption and political instability under Thaksin’s government.

Immediate Consequences

• Government Overthrown: The coup effectively dissolved Thaksin’s administration. Thaksin, unable to return to Thailand, remained in exile.
• Interim Government: The military established a provisional government and appointed Surayud Chulanont, a retired general, as interim Prime Minister.
• Constitutional Changes: The 1997 constitution was abrogated, and a new constitution was drafted and approved in a 2007 referendum.

Broader Historical Significance

• Political Instability: The coup was a pivotal moment in Thailand’s political history, highlighting the deep divisions within the country and the military’s influential role in politics.
• Cycle of Coups: It was part of a broader pattern of military interventions in Thai politics, with the military having staged numerous coups since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932.
• Impact on Democracy: The coup raised concerns about the fragility of democratic institutions in Thailand and set a precedent for future military interventions.

Aftermath

• Thaksin’s Exile: Thaksin remained in exile for several years, facing legal charges in Thailand. He continued to exert influence from abroad, particularly through his political party and supporters.
• Continued Political Tensions: The coup did not resolve underlying political tensions, leading to further political unrest and another military coup in 2014.

The 2006 coup remains a significant event in Thailand’s modern history, reflecting the ongoing struggle between democratic governance and military influence in the country’s political landscape.