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Kate Whitehead

What

What is a coup? It is the sudden overthrow of a government that replaces the top people in power. The Royal Thai Army staged a coup against the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

When

Wednesday, September 19, 2006

Why

Mr Thaksin has been involved in a series of public financial scandals and has also been accused of challenging the king's authority - an unpardonable act in Thailand where the king is much loved.

Where

Where is  Mr Thaksin?  He was in New York at the time of the coup. He then went to London, where he has a home. His family who fled Thailand and have joined him there.

Who

Who voted for Mr Thaksin? A lot of people! He was a hugely popular prime minister, especially with those in the countryside thanks to his policies to help the poor.

How

How many people were injured? Some coups are violent, but this one was bloodless. Despite the strong military presence, with tanks and armed soldiers on the streets, no one was injured. Schools, government offices and the stock market were closed last Wednesday, but they re-opened the following day.



Thai coup