Thaksin Shinawatra

ModernPoliticianThailand1949 — ?

Thai prime minister overthrown in a coup.

Compare Thaksin Shinawatra with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1949

Country

Thailand

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)16

Political (20%)55

Influence (20%)60

Legacy (20%)48

Leadership (15%)74

Strategy (15%)29

Total Score50.7

Thaksin Shinawatra — Complete Timeline

2001 AD

Election as Prime MinisterPolitical Action◆ Major

Thaksin Shinawatra's Thai Rak Thai party won a landslide victory in the 2001 general election, making him Prime Minister. His populist policies, including universal healthcare and debt relief for farmers, gained widespread support.

ElectionPopulismThailand

Impact: nationalconstructive

2003 AD

War on Drugs campaignPolitical Action◆ Major

Thaksin launched a highly controversial anti-drug campaign that resulted in over 2,500 extrajudicial killings. The campaign was criticized by human rights groups but was popular among the public for reducing drug crime.

Human RightsDrug PolicyThailand

Impact: nationaldestructive

2006 AD

Overthrow in military coupPolitical Action

While attending the UN General Assembly in New York, Thaksin was overthrown by a military coup led by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin. The coup was justified by allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and disrespect to the monarchy.

CoupExileThailand

Impact: nationaldestructive

2008 AD

Conviction for abuse of powerPolitical Action◆ Major

Thaksin was convicted in absentia by the Thai Supreme Court for abuse of power in a land purchase case involving his wife. He was sentenced to two years in prison, remaining in self-exile to avoid serving the sentence.

CorruptionLegalThailand

Impact: nationaldestructive