Thai Coup Anniversary

ZHANG:
Two years after the military took control of Bangkok in a bloodless coup to oust Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the political situation in Thailand remains tense. Protesters are demanding Thaksin's allies be expelled from the government.

STORY:
More than three weeks ago, anti-government protesters occupied the prime minister's official compound. They barricaded Government House, demanding the then Prime Minister Samak Sundarajev step down. But even after a Constitutional Court found him guilty of a conflict of interest for hosting a TV program, the protesters did not leave the compound. They are even angrier now.

The ruling coalition voted in a brother-in-law of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as the new prime minister. Thaksin was ousted in a military coup back in 2006.

Anti-government protesters known as the PAD, say they will not accept anyone from Thaksin's party as prime minister or as any minister. But they are not advocating a coup.

[Somsak Kosaisook, PAD Leader]:
"If it was revolution (in 2006) then I agree, for example, old politics would have gone and new politics would have come. But it was not a revolution, it was a coup. It hasn't really helped eradicate any corrupt politicians. It makes people who supported the coup disappointed."

Many analysts say coup leaders haven't accomplished much in their fight against corruption and reforming the country's political system. But some believe the coup has had some impact.

[Panitan Wattanayagorn, Political Scientist]:
"The good thing is it has eased the political crisis in Thailand, though not completely. It has also helped in finding some corrupt politicians. There is also a new decree being drafted for the constitution about investigating the government. So all of these are good results from the coup."

The PAD is now demanding that Prime Minister Somchai say how his government will bring Thaksin back to Thailand to be tried on graft charges.

Category:

News & Politics

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• Bangkok
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• Thaksin
• Shinawatra

[Kalayaniwattana]

Vachiralongkorn has AIDS.

[champthegod]

fuck puntamit u ass hole ass hole stupid yellows

[rxmxwell2]

somchai wongsawat and barnharn Silapa-archa in the seats of government,committed crimes against humanity when, on Oct. 7, 2008, he ordered police with war weapons to shoot directly into the peacefully protesting crowds.

[rxmxwell2]

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