Thailand is a country that has been plagued by political instability for decades.
The Kingdom of Thailand has had its fair share of political upheaval in recent years, with a series of coups, protests and elections over the past few decades. But what exactly is going on in Thailand right now? The country has been thrown into political turmoil after Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha dissolved the lower house of parliament on September 16th. This led to the formation of a new pro-democracy movement and the appointment of a new prime minister. Here’s what you need to know about Thailand’s latest political crisis.
What happened to Yingluck Shinawatra?
Yingluck Shinawatra was elected as prime minister in 2011 and was removed from office by a controversial court ruling in May 2014. This came after she was accused of abusing her power by transferring an official from one position to another. She was later sentenced to five years in prison, but remains free while she appeals against her conviction.
Who is Prayut Chan-o-cha?
Prayut Chan o chan (born 28 March 1954) is a retired Royal Thai Army officer who is currently serving as the head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), which seized power from an elected government led by Yingluck Shinawatra in 2014 and again in 2017 following Shinawatra’s impeachment over corruption charges.
Prayut’s military career began when he enlisted as a cadet at age 16, then served for thirty years before retiring with the rank of lieutenant general.
He graduated from Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, where he gained Bachelors and Masters degrees.
He became Commander of the King’s Guard during his final year at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy.
In 2006 he became Commander in Chief (CINC) or Supreme Commander (SC) under King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
In October 2008, he was appointed commander of Thailand’s armed forces by then Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva after General Anupong Paochinda retired from duty.
On 19 September 2014, Prayut staged a coup d’état against the caretaker government that had been running Thailand since Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had been removed from office earlier that month by order of Thailand’s Constitutional Court.
