Political Change Flashcards

Khana Ratsadon

A group of military officers and civil servants who led the 1932 coup in Thailand, ending the absolute monarchy and establishing a constitutional monarchy.

King Prajadhipok - Rama VII

The seventh King of Thailand, reigned from 1925 to 1935, ended absolute monarchy after the 1932 coup and introduced Thailand’s first constitution.

King Bhumipol Adulyadej - Rama IX

The longest-reigning monarch in Thai history (1946-2016), known for maintaining political stability during unrest.

Pridi Banomyong

A leader in the Khana Ratsadon group that staged the 1932 coup, advocating for democracy and social reforms in Thailand.

General Thanom Kittikachorn

A military leader and prime minister during the 1960s and 70s, known for military rule and suppressing protests.

PM Thaksin Shinawatra

Prime minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, known for populist policies, removed from office by a military coup.

PM Abhisit Vejjajiva

Prime minister from 2008 to 2011, faced major political unrest including the 2010 Red Shirt protests.

PM Yingluck Shinawatra

The first female prime minister of Thailand (2011-2014) and sister of Thaksin Shinawatra, removed in a military coup.

General Prayuth Chan-ocha

Leader of the 2014 coup that removed Yingluck Shinawatra, became prime minister under military rule.

People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD / Yellow Shirts)

A political movement opposing Thaksin Shinawatra's government, led protests and supported the 2006 coup.

United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD / Red Shirts)

A political movement supporting Thaksin Shinawatra, organized protests including the violent 2010 demonstrations.

Move Forward Party

A progressive political party in Thailand advocating for democratic reforms and reducing military influence in politics.

1932 Coup / End of Absolute Monarchy

The coup led by Khana Ratsadon that ended absolute monarchy in Thailand and established a constitutional monarchy.

US-Vietnam War (1965-73)

Thailand allied with the U.S. providing military support against communism during the Vietnam War.

1973 Protests

Student-led demonstrations against Thanom Kittikachorn's military dictatorship, resulting in the overthrow of the government.

Communists take power in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos

The establishment of communist governments in these countries following the Vietnam War, changing the political landscape.

1976 Protests

Student-led protests in Thailand against the military government, violently suppressed with multiple casualties.

2001 election of Thaksin

Thaksin Shinawatra won the prime ministership, introducing populist policies amid corruption allegations.

30 baht medical scheme

A program introduced by Thaksin Shinawatra allowing citizens to receive medical treatment for a low fee, enhancing healthcare access.

Microfinance - OTOP

One Tambon, One Product program promoting local products and supporting small businesses in rural areas, initiated by Thaksin.

War on Drugs

A controversial policy introduced by Thaksin Shinawatra in 2003 to combat drug trafficking, linked to human rights abuses.

2006 coup against Thaksin

The military coup that ousted Thaksin Shinawatra, citing corruption and abuse of power.

2010 Red Shirt protests at Ratchaprasong

Protests demanding reforms and government resignation, resulting in violent clashes and numerous deaths.

Rice pledging scheme

A program by Yingluck Shinawatra involving government purchasing rice at high prices, criticized for mismanagement.

2014 coup against Yingluck

The military coup removing Yingluck Shinawatra from office, citing political instability and corruption.

Absolutism

A political system where a monarch has absolute power over the government, with no limitations on authority.

Coup d’etat

A sudden, illegal overthrow of a government, typically by military force.

Constitution

A formal set of rules defining the structure, powers, and duties of a government, establishing citizens' rights.

Democracy

A government system where power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

Communism - Authoritarian left

A political system where all property is owned by the state, aiming for a classless society, usually with authoritarian rule.

Military government - Authoritarian right

A system where the military holds power after a coup, often restricting political freedom and civil rights.

Corruption

Abuse of power by officials for personal gain, often involving bribery or fraud.

Nationalism

The belief that a country’s interests and identity should be prioritized over others, fostering strong national pride.

Conservatives

Groups seeking to preserve traditional values and resist rapid social changes, favoring gradual reforms.

Reactionary

A person opposing political or social change, wanting to return to a prior system before reforms.

Progressives

Individuals advocating for reforms aimed at improving society through activism and legislation.

Reform

The process of making changes to improve a system, making it more just, efficient, or effective.