The explosion killed 22 people and wounded over 120. But this attack was not an isolated

event. In February, two bombs exploded in a Bangkok shopping mall, and police were warned

of as many as 100 more potential targets. Many have attributed this rise in bombings

as an attempt to destabilize the military junta which seized control of the country

in May 2014. So, what exactly is going on in Thailand?

Well, Thailand has seen violence and political instability throughout its entire history.

The country has seen 12 coup d’états since 1932, and is rife with human rights abuses.

In 2006, Thailand’s former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted from rule by

a military coup d’etat. Although he was popular for expanding social programs and

fighting poverty, opposition groups accused him of nepotism and corruption. After his

removal from office, his sister Yingluck won the 2011 election by a landslide, becoming

the first female PM of Thailand. However, many have said that her brother was still

the guiding force behind her rule.

In 2013, Yingluck proposed a bill which would give blanket amnesty to civilian protesters

from earlier political instability, as well as amnesty for her former Prime Minister brother.

This sparked mass protests by opposition groups, known as “Yellow Shirts." They called for

an end to the dynastic rule of the Shinawatra family.

In late 2013, an anti-government group invaded government buildings, and opposing politicians

in parliament stepped down en masse, in an effort to destabilize the government. The

Prime Minister attempted to hold an emergency election, but the election was boycotted and

violence erupted among protesters. In May of 2014 the country’s constitutional court

removed the PM from office, citing a number of violations of the constitution, as well

as the deteriorating situation.

Roughly two weeks later, the commander of the Thai Army, Prayut Chan-o-cha implemented

martial law in Thailand, saying it was necessary to avoid rioting. Two days later, the commander

announced a coup, and seized control of the government. He added to martial law with a

curfew, banned political opposition, arrested a number of politicians, and began censoring

the internet and media. The commander then instituted himself as the leader of the government,

creating a military junta, and revising the constitution to give himself amnesty for the

coup.

Since then, many groups have opposed the new military dictatorship, and lack of democracy.

These latest bombings are considered a reaction by those opposed to the junta. Some have even

suggested that the junta is committing the bombing to justify their military rule. Sadly,

this series of events is nothing new for Thailand, which has seen its citizens suffer under political

instability, violence, and human rights abuses for nearly a century.

Thailand’s neighbor to the west, Myanmar, has also faced extreme violence and human

rights abuses, including rebel attacks that killed 130 people in February 2015. What’s

happening in Myanmar? Check out this video to learn more. Thanks for watching us today on TestTube News! Be sure

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