Thailand has been a constitutional monarchy for quite a long while now, and the king is revered. Unfortunately, the present government is eroding that reverence by calling any criticism of the government criticism of the king.
Any way, from what I have gathered, with the additional insight from a source in-country, the present troubles began with the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. I’ll summarize the basis for his political problems by excerpting the article about him in Wikipedia:
He entered politics in 1994 and founded the populist Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party in 1998. After a landslide election victory in 2001, he became prime minister, the country’s first to serve a full term. Thaksin introduced a range of partly effective and highly popular policies to alleviate rural poverty. He launched the country’s first universal healthcare program, the 30-baht scheme, as well as drastic social order and drug suppression campaigns.
His re-election in 2005 had the highest voter turnout in Thai history, with his main support base in the rural north and northeast.
Killjoy, I had meant to address this backgrounder to libertyrocks.
From what little I understand, Thaksin was overthrown because the old political elite had become afraid of his success, and they were hurt by his political and economic reforms. He had long campaigned against the corruption that is a way of life in Thai government, with only limited success.
Also, his support is largely based with the common people in the north of the country, and thus little direct influence with the mob in Bangkok.
Well, there was a reason no action was taken by the government when the PAD took over the airport but lese majesty laws prevent me from saying more.
Any way, from what I have gathered, with the additional insight from a source in-country, the present troubles began with the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra.
The King was traditionally seen as the champion of the poor in Thailand and the PM/Government as the servants of the rich. Thaksin, right or wrong, paid a lot of attention to the poor working class and it is what brought him votes. It also brought down on him the hatred of the elite. Again, lese majesty laws prevent me from saying more.
Thank you so much! I really do appreciate it... I wasn’t aware of Thailand’s history. I’ve looked into Thailand from a “Tourist” point of view (places, culture, etc...) — it’s a beautiful place, I think... But, I appreciate knowing a little about the history now too. :)