Thailand has experienced frequent military coups and political turmoil since becoming a constitutional monarchy in 1932. In the most recent 2011 parliamentary elections, the opposition Peua Thai party won a majority and Thaksin Shinawatra's sister Yingluck Shinawatra became prime minister. Thailand also faces challenges from natural disasters like tsunamis.

1. PUBLIC ISSUES IN THAILAND
REPORTED BY:
HANNAH GRACE BELARDO-INOJALES

2. ECONOMY

3. BRIEF BACKGROUND
• Thailand has experienced 18 military coups since
becoming a constitutional monarchy in 1932. The
government returned to democratic civilian control in
December 2007, but political turmoil has continued.
• In July 2011 parliamentary elections, Peua Thai, the
opposition party and vehicle for exiled leader Thaksin
Shinawatra, won an outright majority, and
Shinawatra’s sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, became
prime minister.
• Natural calamities and disaster (e.g. tsunami)