General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the commander of the Royal Thai Army, orchestrated a military coup in Thailand, declaring martial law amid ongoing political instability in the country. This coup was the culmination of six months of protests against the government of then-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who faced accusations of corruption and mishandling the economy. The political turmoil had escalated dramatically, with anti-government demonstrations often turning violent, resulting in numerous casualties. The military justified its actions by claiming the need to restore peace and order in a nation engulfed in conflict among various political factions.

On the evening of May 22, the military announced the coup, dissolving the caretaker government and taking control of the country. Several key political figures were detained, and the military imposed strict controls over media and public gatherings. The coup was met with a mix of support and condemnation within Thailand and from the international community, highlighting the deep divisions in Thai society over issues of governance and democracy. While military leaders promised to hold elections in the future, skepticism remained prevalent, as previous military regimes had often stymied political processes.

In the months that followed, General Prayut was named as the new interim leader of Thailand, and he took steps to consolidate power, including the formation of a new government composed predominantly of military officials. His rule significantly altered the political landscape, as the military tightened its grip on the country's governance and enforced a series of laws aimed at suppressing dissent. Protests against the military administration were met with a heavy-handed response, leading to widespread apprehension regarding civil liberties and human rights in Thailand.