New Delhi: Here is a snapshot of recent political developments in Thailand leading to Tuesday's declaration of a state of emergency by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
February 6, 2005: Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) Party wins a second landslide election victory, taking 377 of the 500 seats in parliament.
September 9, 2005: State-run television takes a current affairs show hosted by Thaksin's former business associate, Sondhi Limthongkul, off the air, citing repetition of "unfair" criticism of various parties.
January 23, 2006: Thaksin's relatives sell their controlling stake in Shin Corp, the telecoms empire he founded, to Singapore state investment firm Temasek. The tax-free $1.9 billion sale angers Bangkok's middle classes and adds momentum to Sondhi's campaign.
February 24, 2006: Thaksin calls a snap election on April 2, three years early and two days before a big anti-government rally.
February 27, 2006: Three main opposition parties announce an election boycott after Thaksin rejects their demand for a neutral body to reform the constitution.
April 2, 2006: Election is held despite opposition boycott.
April 4, 2006: After a strong protest vote, Thaksin meets revered King Bhumibhol Adulyadej, before announcing on national TV that he will step down as soon as the next parliament meets.
April 5, 2006: Thaksin hands day-to-day power to Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya.
April 26, 2006: The three main opposition parties say they will stand in a new election if April 2 poll is annulled.
May 8, 2006: Constitutional Court rules that the election is unconstitutional and a new poll should be held.
May 23, 2006: Thaksin takes back reins of power, saying it was time to get back work on economic and security issues. -- May 30 - Government sets election re-run for
July 15, 2006: King approves the re-run in late July saying he wants a swift end to the crisis.
July 20 , 2006: Thai army chief unexpectedly re-assigns more than 100 middle-ranking officers thought to be supporters of Thaksin, adding to rumours about divided army and possible coup.
September 19, 2006: Thaksin declares a state of emergency after tanks surround Government House.
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