The Billionaire PM Too Rich to Control - Thailand's Shocking Military Coup

Hinzugefügt: 2026-06-02

[00:00:00]The richest Prime Minister in Thai history was destroyed by his own success. It's 2001, Bangkok, Thailand. A telecom billionaire wins the biggest election landslide in the country's history. Thaksin Shinawatra promises universal health care for 30 baht per visit. He builds roads into forgotten villages and gives farmers cheap loans.

[00:00:20]The rural poor finally have a champion and his approval rating soar above 70%.

[00:00:26]He wins again in 2005.

[00:00:29]This time with an absolute majority. For the first time, Thailand's peasants control their own government. But in the royal palace and military headquarters, the old elite watch in horror. A businessman with his own fortune cannot be bought or controlled. Secret meetings begin in Bangkok's most exclusive clubs.

[00:00:50]Generals whisper about duty and tradition while planning treason. On September 19th, 2006, tanks roll through the capital as Thaksin visits New York. Television broadcasts show soldiers seizing government buildings. The coup leaders cite corruption, but everyone knows the real crime. He was too popular, too independent, and too [music] rich to obey. The Prime Minister who gave power to the people was Thaksin Shinawatra.