The 1997 Asian financial crisis originated in Thailand and ended the country 's 40 years of uninterrupted economic growth . Chuan Leekpai 's government took an IMF loan with unpopular provisions . The populist Thai Rak Thai party , led by prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra , governed from 2001 until 2006 . His policies were successful in reducing rural poverty and initiated universal healthcare in the country . A South Thailand insurgency escalated starting from 2004 . The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami hit the country , mostly in the south . Massive protests against Thaksin led by the People 's Alliance for Democracy ( PAD ) started in his second term of premiership and fulled with alleged corruption changes , ended with a coup d'état in 2006 . The junta installed a military government which lasted a year
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
Thailand