The motivation for the September 2006 military coup was outrage among royalists at the activities of then prime minister and billionaire businessman Thaksin, who was seen as attempting to undermine the role of the monarchy as the unifying and binding force in Thai national life.

While no one suggests the king was involved in the coup, Thaksin supporters are less reluctant to point at former prime minister and army chief, Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, who is the president of the King’s Privy Council.

– Extracted from Jonathan Manthorpe, “Thailand’s political turmoil remains unresolved four years after coup”, Vancouver Sun, 18 October 2010.