UPSC Prelims 2007 Q35: Current Affairs – International Conflicts & Security
In the latter half of the year 2006,
in which one of the following countries did a military coup take place?
- (a) Cambodia
- (b) Laos
- (c) Thailand
- (d) Vietnam
Answer: (c) Thailand
Explanation
Military coup, second half of 2006
| Country | Military coup in H2 2006? |
|---|---|
| Cambodia | No |
| Laos | No |
| Thailand | Yes — September 2006, ousted PM Thaksin |
| Vietnam | No |
A military coup took place in Thailand in September 2006, ousting Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra while he was abroad.
Answer: (c) Thailand.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Cambodia did not experience a 2006 military coup.
- (b) Incorrect. Laos did not experience a 2006 military coup.
- (c) CORRECT. Thailand's September 2006 coup ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
- (d) Incorrect. Vietnam did not experience a 2006 military coup.
Key point
Thailand's September 2006 military coup ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
Remember
2006 (second half) military coup: Thailand.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Thailand's 2006 coup with later Thai political crises (e.g., the 2014 coup).
- Mixing up Southeast Asian countries with similar political histories.
- Not recalling the specific ousted leader, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Exam tip
Thailand, Sept 2006: military coup ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra while he was overseas.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Thaksin Shinawatra
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Thailand