PM Samak forced out of office 9 Sept by Constitutional Court finding he had violated constitution, which came after weeks of protests by People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) calling for his resignation. Samak had declared state of emergency 2 Sept after pro- and anti- govt forces clashed, killing 1, injuring over 40. Court ruling concerned payments he accepted for hosting TV cookery show while in office. PPP candidate Somchai Wongsawat elected PM 17 Sept; PAD views him as proxy for former PM Thaksin, protests continue. “Peace talks” for south reportedly held 20-21 Sept in Indonesia, with mediation by Indonesian VP Kalla, but Thai govt said not involved and unclear whether Muslim representatives control current insurgents.

Series of bombings in Songkhla 2 Aug hit South’s largest city, Hat Yai; Songkhla town affected for first time. Cabinet approved deployment of some 2,500 additional paramilitary rangers to South 5 Aug. Former PM Thaksin and family fled to UK 11 Aug to escape corruption trials, 10 days after wife’s sentencing to 3 years for tax evasion. Large demonstrations began 25 Aug, led by People’s Alliance for Democracy, calling for PM Samak’s resignation.

Tensions with Cambodia rose after Preah Vihear temple, subject of historic border dispute, granted UNESCO World Heritage status; troops in border standoff since Cambodia briefly detained 3 Thai protesters 15 July. Bilateral talks 21 July failed to resolve, but resumed 28 July following Cambodian elections. Thai govt opponents used row to force resignation of FM Patama 10 July. Deputy leader of governing PPP Yongyuth disqualified from parliament over vote-rigging charge, could mean party dissolution. Ongoing violence in south increased, despite 17 July “ceasefire” announcement by man claiming to represent insurgent umbrella group thought defunct since 1987.

Railway service halted indefinitely in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat after suspected insurgents shot dead 1 police officer, 3 railway staff 21 June. Increased political tension in Bangkok as People’s Alliance for Democracy pressured government into dropping proposed amendments to constitutional draft that would help parties escape threat of dissolution. PM Samak survived 27 June no-confidence vote.

PM Samak paid first official visit to south 10 May as regular attacks in region continued throughout month. Sit-in protests by some 5,000 began 25 May in Bangkok against PPP- led coalition govt’s plan to amend constitution to avoid threat of dissolution over election fraud allegations. House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat (PPP) resigned 30 Apr over alleged fraud committed during Dec 2007 election, trial began 8 May. MP and ally to ex-PM Thaksin resigned 30 May after accused of criticising king.

3 parties in ruling coalition, including PPP, continued to face allegations of vote-buying and electoral fraud. Election commission recommended dissolution of Chart Thai and Machima Thipataya parties 11 Apr, PPP likely to face similar charge; state prosecutors to decide on referral to Constitutional Court. Military admitted 56-year-old imam Yapa Kaseng beaten to death in custody late March; 5 army officers face prosecution. Slight further easing in martial law, but state of emergency holds in southern provinces.

Car bomb exploded in front of CS Pattani hotel 15 March, killing 2; hotel had been considered “neutral ground” for meetings between government and local Muslim figures. Former PM Thaksin entered not guilty plea in real estate deal corruption case 12 March. Current PM Samak appointed army chief Anupong Paochinda head of Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) 25 March; mandate includes focus on southern insurgency.

Daily attacks continued in south. PM Samak Sundaravej downplayed proposal by Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung suggesting autonomy as possible solution. U.S. reinstated financial assistance, including military aid, 6 Feb, suspended after September 2006 coup. Former PM Thaksin returned to Bangkok from exile 28 Feb; granted bail on charges of abuse of power, ordered not to leave country.

Violence  surged  again  in  south  after  Dec elections;  government  admitted  little  headway  made  in quelling insurgency. 2007 reported deadliest in 4-year wave of violence, with 2,300 killed or wounded. New 6-party coalition government led by  People’s  Power Party announced 19 Jan. CNS military council disbanded next day, promising no more coups while warning politicians not to meddle in military affairs.

People’s Power Party (PPP), with links to deposed PM Thaksin, won greatest share of seats in 23 December elections, with 228 of 480. Democrat Party, linked to coup leaders, won 166. TITV blocked from broadcasting interview with Thaksin, who said considering return to country, 26 December. Some harassment of PPP candidates reported ahead of polls; martial law remained in effect in 31 provinces. Government pushed through final draft of internal security act on eve of election. Violence in south unabated.