7. Resultados
7.2. Cambios en el funcionamiento personal-ocio-familiar
Thailand’s political system has traditionally suffered from widespread instability, as highlighted by the frequent collapse of civilian administrations and recurrent military incursions into political life. The 1997–98 financial crises ushered in a renewed period of political instability. However, the elections in 2001 brought a new political force – Thais Love Thais (Thai Rak Thai [TRT]) – to power. The TRT campaigned on a populist platform, promising financial assistance for beleaguered farmers and improvements to the healthcare system in response to the financial cris is. However, the 2001 and 2005
elections were tarnished by persistent allegations of vote-rigging and bribery, which led to the party being banned in 2007. The military took over in September 2006 in a bloodless coup, and former army chief General Surayud Chulanont was
installed as prime minister. In the December 2007 general elections, the People's Power Party (Phak Palang Prachachon [PPP]), a reincarnation of the TRT party, won the majority vote. However, persistent street protests led by the People's
Alliance for Democracy (PAD) contributed to the resignation of two pro-Thaksin prime ministers in 2008. On December 15, 2008, the parliament elected Abhisit Vejjajiva as prime minister of the country. However, pro-Thaksin protests continued
through to May 2011, leading to the announcement of general elections. In July 2011, Yingluck Shinawatra, the sister of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, led the opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP) to victory, and was elected prime
minister. The government is reportedly working on plans to amend the Defence Administration Act to allow it to influence military appointments. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is also looking into ways to allow her brother to return to the country from his self-imposed exile, by fighting for amnesty for politicians; however, Thaksin’s return could lead the country into further political turmoil.
Evolution
Since 1782, the Chakri dynasty has ruled the country. The country was then known as Siam, and was ruled by King Rama
I. King Chulalongkorn reigned between 1868 and 1910. He employed Western advisers to modernize administration and commerce and develop a railway network. In 1917, Siam became an ally of Great Britain in World War I. In 1932, a
bloodless coup against absolute monarch King Prajadhipok led to the introduction of a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government. In 1939, Siam's name was changed to Thailand. In 1942, Thailand declared war on Great
Britain and the US. After the end of World War II in 1945, Thailand was forced to return the territories it had seized from Laos, Cambodia, and Malaya. In 1947, pro-Japanese leader Phibun Songkhram led a military coup against the
government. The military remained in control until 1973.
Student riots in Bangkok in 1973 led to the fall of the military government and the holding of free elections. However, the resultant government lacked stability, which led to military rule once again in 1976. A new constitution was promulgated in
1978, and General Prem Tinsulanonda assumed power in 1980. He gave up his military rank in 1983 and led a civilian government. He was re-elected in 1986. General Chatichai Choonhaven replaced Prem after the elections in 1988, before the country’s 17th military coup in 1991 led to the appointment of Anand Panyarachun as prime minister. After the elections held in 1992 Anand was replaced by General Suchinda Kraprayoon, but the latter was forced to resign due to public
demonstrations against him, and Anand was reinstalled as prime minister. This arrangement was also short-lived, as the elections in September 1992 saw Democrat Party (Phak Prachathipat) candidate Chuan Leekpai assume power. The
Leekpai government collapsed in 1995, and Banharn Silpa-archa of the Thai Nation Party was elected prime minister. In 1996, Banharn's government resigned due to allegations of corruption. This led to an election that was won by Chavalit
Yongchaiyudh of the New Aspiration Party. In 1997, the devaluation of the Thai currency, the baht, heralded the start of a
period of financial and economic turmoil following a decade of strong growth. The led to bankruptcies and unemployment across the country. Chuan Leekpai was re-elected prime minister that same year.
However, 2001 saw significant realignments. Charismatic populist Thaksin Shinawatra stormed to an impressive election
victory. His newly formed TRT party narrowly missed out on an overall parliamentary majority, forming a center-right coalition in conjunction with several smaller conservative parties. The TRT party won a stunning election victory early in 2005 on the back of the prime minister’s popularity, cementing Thaksin's reputation as an important new force in the region’s politics. However, it had not all been plain sailing for the businessman-turned-politician. Even before he was sworn in as leader in 2001, concerns were raised as to whether he had properly disposed of all his assets as demanded by Thailand’s tough anti-corruption laws. The courts later cleared the prime minister of wrongdoing, although some commentators claim that popular pressure, reflected in Thaksin’s 80% approval rating on taking office, weighed unduly on the judiciary’s decision-making process. As his tenure progressed, the prime minister’s popularity fell as a number of his flagship projects ran into trouble, and the electorate’s soaring optimism began to wane.
In the 2005 parliamentary polls, the TRT won 75% of the seats in parliament, amid allegations of bribery and vote-rigging. Despite being a newcomer to the political scene, Thaksin’s TRT was soon embroiled in scandal, with around half of the disqualified winners in the 62 disputed constituencies being TRT candidates. Thaksin Shinawatra’s worsening relations with the military elite and the king took a toll on his position, and in a rather sudden turn of events he was deposed in September
2006, in a bloodless military coup carried out while he was attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York. After the coup, the Council of National Security was established as the chief executive body, and former army chief General
Surayud Chulanont was appointed prime minister.
In May 2007, the TRT party was banned, and in August 2007 a military-drafted constitution was approved by voters in a
referendum. In the December 2007 general elections, the PPP, a reincarnation of the TRT party, won a majority vote. In February 2008 Samak Sundaravej was sworn in as prime minister; however, street protests erupted across the country,
calling for his resignation. He was soon replaced by Somchai Wongsawat, but the opposition PAD rallied more protestors in a bid to topple the government. In December 2008, Prime Minister Wongsawat was removed from his position after a
Constitutional Court disbanded the PPP for electoral fraud, barring the party for five years.
On December 15, 2008, parliament elected Abhisit Vejjajiva as prime minister of Thailand. During March and April 2009, supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra held mass protests against the government's economic policies.
The continued unrest led to the cancellation of a scheduled Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit after anti-government protesters stormed the venue in the resort of Pattaya. As a result, Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of
emergency and troops were brought in to Bangkok to end the protests. Despite this, the protests continued through 2009, with several clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies. In December 2009, over 20,000 Thaksin
supporters rallied in Bangkok and demanded fresh elections. The protests continued between March and May 2010, demanding Abhisit's resignation and early elections, eventually prompting the government to announce that parliament
would be dissolved in May 2011, so that new elections could be held. In the July 2011 general elections, Yingluck
Shinawatra, sister of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, led the opposition PTP to a major victory, winning 265 seats in the House of Representatives. She was subsequently sworn in as Thailand’s first female prime minister.
Figure 2: Thailand – key political events timeline
Colombia also restored diplomatic ties with Venezuela. • In 1946, King Ananda was assassinated. • During 1965 –75, Thailand permitted the US to use its base during the Vietnam War. • In 1971, the armed
f orces of Thailand perf ormed a bloodless coup when they suspended the cabinet and declared martial law. • In 1976, the coalition government was conquered by a military coup. • In 1978, Thanin Kraivichien’s government was conquered by a military coup in Bangkok, with a "Revolutionary Council" of more than 20 high prof iled of f icers who took control. • In 1946, King Ananda was assassinated. • During 1965 –75, Thailand permitted the US to use its base during the Vietnam War. • In 1971, the armed
f orces of Thailand perf ormed a bloodless coup when they suspended the cabinet and declared martial law. • In 1976, the coalition government was conquered by a military coup. • In 1978, Thanin Kraivichien’s government was conquered by a military coup in Bangkok, with a "Revolutionary Council" of more than 20 high prof iled of f icers who took control.
• In 1917, Siam became the ally of Great Britain in World War I. • In 1932, Peoples Party
organized a revolution which compelled King Prajadhipok to abandon absolute monarchy f or constitutional monarchy. • In 1939, the country
changed its name f rom Siam to Thailand. • In 1941, Japan and
Thailand entered into a ten year agreement under which Thailand agreed to assist Japan’s militarily, politically and economically against Britain and the US.
• In 1917, Siam became the ally of Great Britain in World War I. • In 1932, Peoples Party
organized a revolution which compelled King Prajadhipok to abandon absolute monarchy f or constitutional monarchy. • In 1939, the country
changed its name f rom Siam to Thailand. • In 1941, Japan and
Thailand entered into a ten year agreement under which Thailand agreed to assist Japan’s militarily, politically and economically against Britain and the US.
• In 1991, Major General Chatichai
Choonhavens leadership collapsed with the armed f orces seizing power. • In 1992, General
Suchinda Kraprayoon, hitherto supreme commander of the armed f orces, was appointed as the prime minister.
• In 1996, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh of the New Aspiration party won the elections • In 2001, leader of the
Thai Rak Thai, Thaksin Shinawatra , won the general elections.
• In 1991, Major General Chatichai
Choonhavens leadership collapsed with the armed f orces seizing power. • In 1992, General
Suchinda Kraprayoon, hitherto supreme commander of the armed f orces, was appointed as the prime minister.
• In 1996, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh of the New Aspiration party won the elections • In 2001, leader of the
Thai Rak Thai, Thaksin Shinawatra , won the general elections.
• In 2002, the army of Thailand f ired ammunition into Burma during the battle between Burmese army and ethnic Shan rebels
• In 2005 elections, Mr. Thaksin was re -elected by greater majority, and won the election by a comprehensive victory of more than 350 seats out of 500 parliamentary seats. • In 2005, with the
continuing violent unrest in the south, Mr. Thaksin sorted to counter suspected Muslim militants in the region.
• In February 2006, Mr. Thaksin suspended the National Assembly in reply to an increasingly deaf ening campaign f or him to step down.
• In 2002, the army of Thailand f ired ammunition into Burma during the battle between Burmese army and ethnic Shan rebels
• In 2005 elections, Mr. Thaksin was re -elected by greater majority, and won the election by a comprehensive victory of more than 350 seats out of 500 parliamentary seats. • In 2005, with the
continuing violent unrest in the south, Mr. Thaksin sorted to counter suspected Muslim militants in the region.
• In February 2006, Mr. Thaksin suspended the National Assembly in reply to an increasingly deaf ening campaign f or him to step down.
• Due to post-election turmoil, Mr. Thaksin was f orced to step down, but however he resumed his post in May 2006. • In 2007, corruption
charges were f iled against Mr. Thaksin and his wif e. • After massive street
protests, parliament elected Abhsit Vejjajiva as prime minister on December 15, 2008. • Unrest from pro -
Thaksin protesters lead to cancelation of ASEAN summit in April 2009. The unrest continued f or the rest of the year. • During March –May
2010, thousands of pro-Thaksin protesters wore red t -shirts and blocked central Bangkok in protest f or resignation of PM. • Due to post-election
turmoil, Mr. Thaksin was f orced to step down, but however he resumed his post in May 2006. • In 2007, corruption
charges were f iled against Mr. Thaksin and his wif e. • After massive street
protests, parliament elected Abhsit Vejjajiva as prime minister on December 15, 2008. • Unrest from pro -
Thaksin protesters lead to cancelation of ASEAN summit in April 2009. The unrest continued f or the rest of the year. • During March –May
2010, thousands of pro-Thaksin protesters wore red t -shirts and blocked central Bangkok in protest f or resignation of PM. Pre –1945 1945–90 1990–2001 2001–06 2005 Onwards • In 1946, King Ananda was assassinated. • During 1965 –75, Thailand permitted the US to use its base during the Vietnam War. • In 1971, the armed
f orces of Thailand perf ormed a bloodless coup when they suspended the cabinet and declared martial law. • In 1976, the coalition government was conquered by a military coup. • In 1978, Thanin Kraivichien’s government was conquered by a military coup in Bangkok, with a "Revolutionary Council" of more than 20 high prof iled of f icers who took control. • In 1946, King Ananda was assassinated. • During 1965–75 Thailand permitted the US to use its base during the Vietnam War. • In 1971, the armed
f orces of Thailand carried out a bloodless coup and suspended the cabinet and declared martial law. • In 1976, the coalition government was overthrown by a military coup. • In 1978, Thanin Kraivichien’s government was overthrown by a military coup in Bangkok, and a "Revolutionary Council" of more than 20 high prof ile of f icers took control.
• In 1917, Siam became the ally of Great Britain in World War I. • In 1932, Peoples Party
organized a revolution which compelled King Prajadhipok to abandon absolute monarchy f or constitutional monarchy. • In 1939, the country
changed its name f rom Siam to Thailand. • In 1941, Japan and
Thailand entered into a ten year agreement under which Thailand agreed to assist Japan’s militarily, politically and economically against Britain and the US.
• In 1917, Siam became the ally of Great Britain in World War I. • In 1932, Peoples Party
organized a revolution which compelled King Prajadhipok to abandon absolute monarchy f or constitutional monarchy. • In 1939, the country
changed its name f rom Siam to Thailand. • In 1941, Japan and
Thailand entered into a ten year agreement under which Thailand agreed to assist Japan’s militarily, politically and economically against Britain and the US.
• In 1991, Major General Chatichai
Choonhavens leadership collapsed with the armed f orces seizing power. • In 1992, General
Suchinda Kraprayoon, hitherto supreme commander of the armed f orces, was appointed as the prime minister.
• In 1996, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh of the New Aspiration party won the elections • In 2001, leader of the
Thai Rak Thai, Thaksin Shinawatra , won the general elections.
• In 1991, Major General Chatichai
Choonhavens leadership collapsed with the armed f orces seizing power. • In 1992, General
Suchinda Kraprayoon, hitherto supreme commander of the armed f orces, was appointed as the prime minister.
• In 1996, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh of the New Aspiration party won the elections • In 2001, leader of the
Thai Rak Thai, Thaksin Shinawatra , won the general elections.
• In 2002, the army of Thailand f ired ammunition into Burma during the battle between Burmese army and ethnic Shan rebels
• In 2005 elections, Mr. Thaksin was re -elected by greater majority, and won the election by a comprehensive victory of more than 350 seats out of 500 parliamentary seats. • In 2005, with the
continuing violent unrest in the south, Mr. Thaksin sorted to counter suspected Muslim militants in the region.
• In February 2006, Mr. Thaksin suspended the National Assembly in reply to an increasingly deaf ening campaign f or him to step down.
• In 2002, the army of Thailand f ired ammunition into Burma during the battle between Burmese army and ethnic Shan rebels
• In 2005 elections, Mr. Thaksin was re -elected by greater majority, and won the election by a comprehensive victory of more than 350 seats out of 500 parliamentary seats. • In 2005, with the
continuing violent unrest in the south, Mr. Thaksin sorted to counter suspected Muslim militants in the region.
• In February 2006, Mr. Thaksin suspended the National Assembly in reply to an increasingly deaf ening campaign f or him to step down.
• Due to post-election turmoil, Mr. Thaksin was f orced to step down, but however he resumed his post in May 2006. • In 2007, corruption
charges were f iled against Mr. Thaksin and his wif e. • After massive street
protests, parliament elected Abhsit Vejjajiva as prime minister on December 15, 2008. • Unrest from pro -
Thaksin protesters lead to cancelation of ASEAN summit in April 2009. The unrest continued f or the rest of the year. • During March –May
2010, thousands of pro-Thaksin protesters wore red t -shirts and blocked central Bangkok in protest f or resignation of PM. • Due to post-election
turmoil, Mr. Thaksin was f orced to step down, but however he resumed his post in May 2006. • In 2007, corruption
charges were f iled against Mr. Thaksin and his wif e. • After massive street
protests, parliament elected Abhsit Vejjajiva as prime minister on December 15, 2008. • Unrest from pro -
Thaksin protesters lead to cancelation of ASEAN summit in April 2009. The unrest continued f or the rest of the year. • During March –May
2010, thousands of pro-Thaksin protesters wore red t -shirts and blocked central Bangkok in protest f or resignation of PM.
Pre –1945 1945–90 1990–2001 2001–06 2005 Onwards
• In 1917, Siam became the ally of Great Britain in World War I. • In 1932, Peoples Party
organized a revolution which compelled King Prajadhipok to abandon absolute monarchy f or constitutional monarchy. • In 1939, the country
changed its name f rom Siam to Thailand. • In 1941, Japan and
Thailand entered into a ten year agreement under which Thailand agreed to assist Japan’s militarily, politically and economically against Britain and the US.
• In 1917, Siam became the ally of Great Britain in World War I. • In 1932, Peoples Party
organized a revolution which compelled King Prajadhipok to abandon absolute monarchy f or constitutional monarchy. • In 1939, the country
changed its name f rom Siam to Thailand. • In 1941, Japan and
Thailand entered into a ten-year agreement under which Thailand agreed to assist Japan militarily, politically and economically against Britain and the US.
• In 1991, Major General Chatichai
Choonhavens leadership collapsed with the armed f orces seizing power. • In 1992, General
Suchinda Kraprayoon, hitherto supreme commander of the armed f orces, was appointed as the prime minister.
• In 1996, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh of the New Aspiration party won the elections • In 2001, leader of the
Thai Rak Thai, Thaksin Shinawatra , won the general elections.
• In 1991, Major General Chatichai
Choonhaven’s leadership collapsed af ter the armed f orces seized power. Anand
• In 1992, General Suchinda Kraprayoon, hitherto supreme commander of the armed f orces, was appointed as the prime minister. However, he
• In 1996, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh of the New Aspiration Party won the elections. • In 2001, leader of the
Thai Rak Thai Party Thaksin Shinawatra won the general elections
• In 2002, the army of Thailand f ired ammunition into Burma during the battle between Burmese army and ethnic Shan rebels
• In 2005 elections, Mr. Thaksin was re -elected by greater majority, and won the election by a comprehensive victory of more than 350 seats out of 500 parliamentary seats. • In 2005, with the
continuing violent unrest in the south, Mr. Thaksin sorted to counter suspected Muslim militants in the region.
• In February 2006, Mr. Thaksin suspended the National Assembly in reply to an increasingly deaf ening campaign f or him to step down.
• In 2002, the Thai army f ired shells into Burma during the battle between Burmese army and ethnic Shan rebels, triggering a
• In the 2005 elections, Thaksin Shinawatra was re-elected by a greater majority, securing more than 350 of the 500 parliamentary seats. • In 2005, with the