 Thaksin joined the Palang Dharma Party in late 1994 under the invitation of Chamlong Srimuang, who had just reclaimed the position of party leader from Boonchu Rojanastien.In a subsequent purge of Boonchu-affiliated PDP Cabinet ministers, Thaksin was appointed Foreign Minister, replacing Prasong Soonsiri.Prasong was a central figure in the 19 September 2006 Thai military coup that overthrew Thaksin Shinawatra's elected government.