Historical Position of the Coup d'Etat on February 23, 1991 in the Process of Thai Historical Development

Abstract

This research analyzes how the military changed and shaped the new political structure for their own benefit. This was done by replacing the 1978 constitution by the newly drafted 1991 constitution which constitutes the articles that paved the way for the maintenance of power by the military through constitutional means. The attempts of the military to maintain political power led to mass protest by the radical wing of democratice force in May 1992. Demonstrations ended in bloodly suppression by the military. The former military leader and newly - appointed Prime Minister - Major General Suchinda Kraprayoon, was forced by the popular protest to resign. This ended the military attempt to maintain political power through the parliamentary system.