Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
9 June 2006
Thailand celebrates the 60th anniversary of Rama IX's ascension to the throne; the Thai king contin-
ues to be the longest-serving monarch in the world.
19 September 2006
A bloodless coup sees the Thai military take power from Thaksin while he is at a UN meeting in New
York; he remains in exile.
August 2007
In a nationwide referendum, voters agree to approve a military-drafted constitution, Thailand's 17th
since becoming a constitutional monarchy in 1932.
November 2008
Thousands of yellow-shirted anti-Thaksin protesters - the Peoples' Alliance for Democracy (PAD) -
take over Bangkok's airports; tourist numbers drop.
April 2010
Pro-Thaksin supporters clash with troops in central Bangkok, leading to 25 deaths, several hundred
injuries and the torching of several buildings.
July 2011
Heavy monsoon rains lead to floods covering much of central Thailand, including parts of Bangkok,
although protective measures spare nearly all the city's central districts.
5 August 2011
Parliament approves the election of Thailand's first female prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra,
younger sister of deposed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
October 2013- May 2014
Antigovernment protesters seize key sections of Bangkok; violent incidents lead to 825 injuries and
28 deaths.
22 May 2014
The Thai military seizes control of the country in what is Thailand's 12th coup d'etat since having
abolished absolute monarchy in 1932.
