Prathet Thai

Note: The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship, a group that supports former prime minister THAKSIN Shinawatra, led escalating protests against the government beginning on March 14, 2010, in an effort to force new elections. The protests became increasingly violent over a seven-week period with at least 27 killed and more than 800 injured. Prime minister ABHISIT Vejjajiva (Democrat Party) declared a state of emergency on April 8 after protestors stormed the parliament house. Large numbers of security forces were subsequently deployed to Bangkok.

Note: Considerable variation occurs in the English transliteration of Thai names. Where possible, Thai sources have been relied on, but these also present variations.

Political Status: Independent monarchy functioning under a constitution approved by popular referendum on August 19, 2007, ...