Thailand's Political Turbulence: A Chronicle of Coups and Leadership Changes

Political turbulence has defined Thailand over the last two decades, marked by coups, widespread protests, and the downfall of five prime ministers. The narrative kicks off with Thaksin Shinawatra, whose populist policies initially garnered widespread support.

Thaksin's eventual ousting by a royalist military coup set the stage for continued political unrest. Despite attempts to restore democracy, including the election of Shinawatra-backed leaders, Thailand faced repeated cycles of protests and military interventions. Thaksin's sister, Yingluck, also briefly served as prime minister before being ousted amid corruption charges.

Recent events highlight the enduring power struggle between military-backed conservatives and reformists. The election of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter, as prime minister marks another chapter in Thailand's political saga. However, instability continues, with a constitutional court's recent decisions perpetuating uncertainty in the run-up to the February 2026 elections.