The 2005–2006 Thai political crisis was a period in which series of events occurred that ended
the political career of Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand. It resulted in the
overthrow of the Thai Rak Thai government in the Thailand coup, the exile of Thaksin, the
ascension to power of the Council for National Security led by Sonthi Boonratkalin, and the
establishment of the junta government led by Surayud Chulanont, a favorite of privy councillor
and senior statesman Prem Tinsulanonda.