People’s Alliance for Democracy

political party, Thailand

Also known as: PAD

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July 19, 2026

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The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), also known as the "yellow shirts," was an urban-based opposition group in Thailand. They gained prominence in late 2005, leading protests against then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The PAD's anger was fueled by a controversial tax-free sale of Thaksin's family-owned telecommunications company to a Singaporean holding company. The protests grew, and due to Thaksin's loss of military support, he was unable to suppress them. He called for snap elections, but the opposition boycotted them, leading to the results being invalidated. This political crisis ultimately contributed to a military coup in September 2006.12

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Thailand
Thaksin Shinawatra
…led by the urban-based opposition People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD)—who came to be known as the “yellow shirts” for the colour they wore during demonstrations—and grew steadily in size. Because Thaksin had lost the loyalty of many ranking military officers, he was unable to order that force be used to…
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…led by the urban-based opposition People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD)—who came to be known as the “yellow shirts” for the colour they wore during demonstrations—and grew steadily in size. Because Thaksin had lost the loyalty of many ranking military officers, he was unable to order that force be used to…
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Samak Sundaravej
…Thailand’s postcoup constitution, the opposition People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) launched a mass protest against him, describing the move as an attempt to lay the groundwork for a return to power by Thaksin. Samak resisted the PAD’s calls for his resignation, but in early September he was forced to step…
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…Thailand’s postcoup constitution, the opposition People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) launched a mass protest against him, describing the move as an attempt to lay the groundwork for a return to power by Thaksin. Samak resisted the PAD’s calls for his resignation, but in early September he was forced to step…
Read More