Thai Examiner
Thaksin era minister reflects on Thailand’s 2006 coup d’état. Calls for a democracy dedicated to people
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Twenty years after tanks toppled Thaksin, Phumtham warns Thailand still bears the scars. Two coups, dissolved parties, fallen prime ministers and rewritten charters later, over 30 million voters have now backed another constitutional reset.
Key facts
- Phumtham recalls 2006 coup and warns Thailand against using extra-constitutional power to end crises
- Thaksin movement survives party dissolution and returns through People Power Party after the 2006 coup
- Former Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai says Thailand lost time, trust and opportunities after the September 19, 2006 coup
- Coup ends parliament and 1997 charter as military leaders cite division, corruption and political deadlock
- Now, more than 30 million Thais have backed another constitutional drafting process
- Two decades after the military abolished the 1997 “People’s Constitution”, Thailand is again rewriting its political rules.
Summary
Twenty years after tanks rolled into Bangkok and toppled Thaksin Shinawatra’s government, an ousted minister has issued a stark anniversary warning. Former Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai says Thailand lost time, trust and opportunities after the September 19, 2006 coup. Another coup, rewritten constitutions, dissolved parties, removed prime ministers and deadly street clashes followed.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai marked Thailand’s 2006 military coup anniversary on Saturday with a warning about its consequences. Twenty years later, he said political conflict, constitutional change and lost opportunities continued to shape the country.