1990, Apr - A series of mysterious deaths of Thai workers in Singapore makes it to the headlines. From 1983 to April 1990, more than 200 Thai workers had died during their sleep in Singapore for no apparent reason. In the tradition of the term AIDS, the undefined new disease that struck the Thai workers was named "Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death Syndrome". Medical investigation has so far not produced any clear explanation. Culture shock is supposed to play a role.
1990, Sep 24 - Near the Wireless Road / Petchburi Road intersection in Bangkok, a gas tanker crashes into a house at around 22:00 and explodes. Initially, 37 people die but in the following days, a further 63 succumb to burns.
1990, Dec 8 - In a move to consolidate his eroding political power, Prime Minister Chatichai resigns after being reassured that he would be renominated by Parliament as prime minister. In the following days, he forms a new government including several former opposition parties.
1991, Feb 15 - A trailer truck carrying explosives blows up in a small town in the southern Thai province of Phang Nga, killing more than 170 people. The truck had first overturned after trying to manage a curve too quickly. The explosives did not detonate immediately but only after a large crowd had assembled at the accident site. Among the several theories on what triggered the explosion was also the allegation that scavengers had started going through the truck load to see what could be salvaged. Carelessness while doing so could have caused the explosives to blow up.
1991, Feb 23 - Once again, the Thai military topples a government. In a bloodless coup d’etat, led by Supreme Commander General Sunthorn Kongsompong and Army Commander Suchinda Kraprayoon, the administration of General Chatichai Choonhavan is ousted; Chatichai and several other politicians are arrested when boarding a flight to Chiang Mai. The rebels establish the National Peacekeeping Council which, however, does not involve itself into day-to-day politics. Parliament and constitution are suspended, martial law is declared. The military cites as reason for the coup graft and corruption. Nevertheless, General Chatichai’s disrespect for political demands of the military were probably also important. The National Peacekeeping Council initiates an investigation into "unexplained wealth" of politicians.
1991, Mar 1 - The National Peacekeeping Council enacts an interim constitution. The interim constitution specifies that a National Legislative Assembly (NLA) is formed of 200 to 300 representatives who are to be chosen by the National Peacekeeping Council. The Legislative Assembly will, according to the interim constitution, have the duty to pass a new permanent constitution, as well as to review royal decrees, proposed by the cabinet. The new permanent constitution is supposed to be drafted by a special committee of no more than 20 member who are to be appointed by the Legislative Assembly. The Chairman of the National Peacekeeping Council is given the authority to appoint and to fire the prime minister, as well as to take any action to prevent or put down any acts which may undermine or disrupt peace and the security of the nation, the Throne, the economy, resources, morals or the health of the people.
1991, Mar 2 - The military appoints a civilian, businessman and former diplomat Anand Panyarachun, as 18th prime minister of the country. The military’s choice for Anand as prime minister is seen as concession to international public opinion. Though some key positions such as Defence and Interior are held by military officers, Anand forms a cabinet mainly of civilians, many with a business background.
1991, Mar 9 - The military junta releases former prime minister Chatichai Choonhavan and a number of other politicians. Chatichai is allowed to go into self-exile in Great Britain.
