original_query: What were the main political events in Thailand since 2001?
query: What were the main political events in Thailand since 2001?
answer: Since 2001, Thai politics has been dominated by the rise and fall of Thaksin Shinawatra, marked by coups (2006, 2014), protests (Yellow Shirts, Red Shirts),  shifting governments, judicial intervention, and a continuing struggle between Thaksin's supporters and opponents.  The 2019 election saw the return of Prayut Chan-o-cha as prime minister, followed by further protests.