The 2006 Thailand coup d'état took place on 19 September 2006, when members of the Royal Thai Army staged a coup against the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The coup, which is Thailand's first in fifteen years, followed a year-long political crisis involving Thaksin and political opponents and occurred less than a month before elections were scheduled to be held, on 15 October. The military postponed the upcoming elections, suspended the Constitution, dissolved Parliament, banned protests, suppressed and censored media outlets, declared martial law, and arrested Cabinet members. The coup was bloodless, with no casualties reported.
Many organizations and countries expressed their concern about the situation and hope for a peaceful resolution. Some countries advised recent travelers to Thailand to be alert due to safety concerns. International government statements concerning the coup ranged from harsh denunciations (including Australia, New Zealand, Denmark) to non-interference (including China, Laos). The US stated it was "disappointed" and that the coup had "no justification".
Americas – In a press release, Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter MacKay said, "Canada is deeply concerned by these developments. We urge a peaceful solution to this crisis in conformity with the country’s constitution. Thailand has made marked progress in terms of respect for human rights and the rule of law, and Canada urges all parties to continue to uphold these values."Khaleej Times Online (2006). Annan, world leaders urge return to democracy in Thailand . Retrieved 20 September 2006.
The State Department initially announced that it was "monitoring the situation with concern."International Herald Tribune, U.S. concerned about Thai coup but not rushing to judgment, 19 September 2006 A spokesman said, "We look to the Thai people to resolve their political differences in a peaceful manner and in accord with the principles of democracy and the rule of law."Bloomberg.com (2006). Thai Military, Police Say They Have Seized Bangkok (Correct). Retrieved 20 September 2006. Later on, the US's criticism increased in severity, with State Department Deputy Spokesman Tom Casey saying, "There's no justification for a military coup in Thailand or in anyplace else, and we certainly are extremely disappointed by this action. It's a step backward for democracy in Thailand. We very much urge that democratic elections are held as soon as possible, which is a commitment military officials have made. That commitment needs to be met, and it needs to be respected. There are also consequences when these kinds of actions take place, and obviously, in light of what's happened, in light of this coup, there are aspects of our relationship that we're going to have to review."Bangkok Post, "United States: Thai coup 'unjustified'" , 21 September 2006 Casey later noted that the US would like to see elections held earlier than the one-year timetable set by the coup leaders. U.S. Ambassador to the UN John R. Bolton noted that "We have press reports and I think for now the important thing is to look for the sustaining of constitutional processes in Thailand."The Nation, Foreign countries express concerns on military takeover, 21 September 2006 White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said that "We're disappointed in the coup. We hope those who mounted it will make good and make good swiftly on their promises to restore democracy." Snow also hinted that currently inconclusive talks with Bangkok on a Free Trade Agreement, might also depend on a return to democratic rule. "Once you have democracy restored, we'll also be in a position to move forward on a free trade agreement with them."ChannelNewAsia.com, "Disappointed US condemns Thai coup" , 21 September 2006 Tom Casey also warned that certain US aid to Thailand could be reviewed, figures appear to be referring to some categories of assistance dependent on democracy being maintained. Casey later noted that the US is also reviewing its aid to Thailand. Under the so-called Foreign Operations Assistance Act, the United States has budgeted about 14 million dollars in bilateral assistance, including four million dollars in the military area, to Thailand in fiscal 2006.ChannelNewAsia.com, "US reviewing aid to Thailand due to coup" , 22 September 2006 The US also warned the junta from taking actions for political purposes, like investigating or seizing the assets of Thaksin Shinawatra.The Nation, US cautions Thai generals against taking motivated actions , 26 September 2006 The United States later cut off $24 million in aid, including foreign military financing, international military education and training, and peacekeeping operations. "We look forward to being able to reinstate these programs after a elected government takes office," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said. Official US military trips to Thailand were also suspended and US military personnel in Thailand were recalled.The Nation, US cuts off millions in military aid to Thailand , 29 September 2006 The US later expressed concern about rumors that the junta would appoint General Surayud Chulanont as Prime Minister, noting that "Somebody with close ties to the military is going to have to at least overcome the perception that they are maintaining a close relationship with the military and may be not acting in defense of Thai democracy."The Nation, US wary of army man as post-coup PM , 30 September 2006 However, Surayud's quick designation by the junta was later welcomed by Tom Casey, US State Department deputy spokesman. "In naming Prime Minister Surayud, the council did fulfill a pledge that it made to its people as well as to the international community, to name an interim prime minister within two weeks of taking power," Casey said, adding "My understanding is the interim constitution that he will be working under provides guarantees for basic civil liberties and basic rights of the people, and that that is something we very much want to see carried out".the Nation, Oct. 3, 2006, US welcomes new PM, interim charter A declaration followed a day later by a warning from White House spokeswoman Dana Perino "We remain concerned by restrictions on civil liberties, provisions in the draft constitution that appear to give the military an ongoing and influential role in decision-making, and the lengthy timetable for democratic elections."The Nation, Oct 4, 2006, US warns Thailand on rights – Finance Minister Guillermo Zúñiga lamented the fact that some people think "these types of ways [coups] can solve problems."Bangkok Post, IMF closely watching Thailand, 20 September 2006
Asia – Beijing brushed off Thailand's military coup as an internal affair and wished the country "harmony and prosperity". "It's Thailand's own internal affair. The PRC has consistently upheld the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs," the foreign ministry said in a statement posted on its website.http://world.people.com.cn/BIG5/1029/42354/4835168.html ChannelNewAsia.com, China says Thai coup is 'internal affair', 20 September 2006Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The PRC, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang's Comment on the Current Situations of Thailand, 20 September 2006 – Security secretary Ambrose Lee said on 20 September that Hong Kong residents in Thailand should take care of themselves, their property and their personal safety. The Security Bureau reminded Hong Kong residents going to Thailand that they should keep themselves abreast of the latest developments and pay attention to personal safety, and said the government would continue to closely monitor the situation."S for S urges Hong Kong residents in Thailand to be careful", Hong Kong Government press release, September 20, 2006"Hong Kong residents reminded about situation in Thailand", Hong Kong Government press release, September 20, 2006 – New Delhi issued a statement urging all Indian citizens in Thailand to contact the embassy in Bangkok. The foreign ministry condemns any act that hinders democracy and also hopes that there will be a smooth transition of power from the military to the representatives of the last election, which itself is mired in controversy. – The Indonesian government, through its foreign ministry spokesman Desra Percaya, states that Indonesia "expects that the principles of democracy ... would be further upheld, ... [and] further hopes that the political crisis in Thailand could be resolved amicably and democratically for the greater interest of the people of Thailand."Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Indonesia, , 20 September 2006ANTARA News, Indonesia hopes that Thailand will resolve the crisis democratically, 20 September 2006 – Japan's Foreign Minister said the military coup in Thailand was regrettable and urged efforts to quickly restore democracy.Mainichi Daily News, Thai coup leader says it was necessary to end rifts in society, 20 September 2006 – a Foreign Ministry spokesman said, "We hope Thailand will restore peace according to legal procedures." – Lao Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Yong Chantalangsy, has said "These are interior affairs of Thailand. No comment, we are following the situation very closely." No border points have been closed between the two countries. "Everything is normal and flights are operating as usual," the Yong Chantalangsy said."Laos monitoring situation in Thailand" , Haveeru Daily, 20 September 2006 – Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi of Malaysia expressed shock over the coup. He said, "I was taken aback. This is not the way for a change in government that people like to see. By right, there should be an election." He said he hoped that an election would take place soon and that the country would eventually be ruled by a democratically elected government.The Star, Monitor Thai Situation Before Going, 20 September 2006 Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar added that, 'A change in government through a military coup is not an accepted way.'The Star, PM: Nobody Is Marginalised In Malaysia, 23 September 2006 – a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said, "We hope for calm and avoidance of violence." and further added "We want to see political stability in Thailand which is a very important member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and has made important contributions to ASEAN's development,"Geo Television Network Pakistan hopes for political stability in Thailand, 20 September 2006 – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and several lawmakers have said that they are concerned about the coup in Thailand. In addition, they are confident in the loyalty of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. President Arroyo is monitoring the situation from the UN headquarters in New York.Philippine Daily Inquirer, Arroyo in ‘firm control’ of government military - Palace, 20 September 2006 Although the government has not issued an official statement, Senator Richard Gordon said that he calls for President Arroyo to lash out at Sonthi Boonyaratglin for launching the coup.Philippine Daily Inquirer, RP nixes possibility of 'copycat coup' Arroyo in 'firm control' -- Palace., 21 September 2006 – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Singapore hopes all parties involved will work towards a positive outcome." The ministry "hopes the situation there will return to normal as soon as possible."ChannelNewsAsia.com (2006). Singapore watching developments in post-coup Thailand with concern (Correct) . Retrieved 20 September 2006. Foreign Minister George Yeo has expressed his shock and deep concern over the recent coup in Thailand. He said that Singapore called on all parties involved to seek reconciliation and restore constitutional Government as soon as possible.ChannelNewsAsia.com, Foreign Minister George Yeo expresses deep concern over recent coup in Thailand . 22 September 2006.