In the backdrop of rising political tensions and street protests against then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the Thai military staged a coup, ousting his government and revoking the constitution. The military's justification for this action included allegations of corruption and the need to restore order in a climate of political instability. Thaksin was attending a United Nations summit in New York when the coup took place, and he was officially removed from power upon the military's takeover. The army declared martial law, deploying soldiers across key locations in Bangkok and establishing control over the media to prevent dissent. A military junta was formed to govern in the interim, led by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin.The coup was largely bloodless, with minimal violence reported during the takeover. However, it sparked a division within Thai society, with supporters and opponents of Thaksin taking to the streets. The military junta promised to hold elections and restore civilian rule, but their timeline for this process remained vague. In the months following the coup, the junta implemented a series of reforms and censorship measures, aiming to consolidate their power and suppress opposition. The event underscored the fragility of Thailand's democratic institutions and the enduring role of the military in its politics, setting the stage for future political conflicts.