Abhisit Vejjajiva vs Arnulfo Arias

Abhisit Vejjajiva became Prime Minister of Thailand on December 15, 2008, after a parliamentary vote following the dissolution of the People Power Party. His rise to power occurred amid political turmoil and was supported by the military and the Democrat Party.

Abhisit's government faced massive protests by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (Red Shirts) from March to May 2010. The protests demanded new elections and ended with a military crackdown that resulted in over 90 deaths and widespread property damage in Bangkok.

Under pressure from protests and political instability, Abhisit dissolved the House of Representatives on May 9, 2011, and called for general elections. The elections were held in July 2011 and resulted in a decisive victory for the Pheu Thai Party led by Yingluck Shinawatra.

Arnulfo Arias was elected President of Panama in 1940 on a nationalist platform. He enacted a new constitution that expanded executive power and restricted foreign influence, particularly from the United States. He was overthrown by the National Police in 1941 after only 13 months in office.

Arias returned to power in 1949 after a disputed election. He attempted to implement economic reforms and suppress political opposition. He was again overthrown by the National Guard in 1951, after trying to dissolve the National Assembly.

Arias won the 1968 presidential election and took office for a third time. He served only 11 days before being overthrown by a military coup led by Omar Torrijos and Boris Martinez. This ended his political career and ushered in a period of military rule in Panama.