These concerns were growing in spite of huge popularity among business communities and rural voters who were enjoying wealth resulting from Thaksin's populist policy.
These concerns were stoked by the sales of Shin Corp, whose largest portion of shares were owned by Thaksin's family.
The deal raised concern over Thaksin's conflicting interests, triggering public outrages and resulting in months of mass protests.
Criticized by the opposition parties of avoiding testimony before the joint session of parliament, Thaksin weighed the situations and decided to dissolve the House of Representatives in February and called for a general election in April 2006, hoping that the election would legitimize his position.
Thaksin defended his decision, saying that he wanted to return the power back to the seriously divisive Thai people following massive protests against his administration.
The opposition parties decided to boycott the elections, citing that no conflict occurred between the government and the House (the TRT controlled 377 out of 500 votes in the House); that Thaksin wanted to avoid testimony before the joint session for a completely personal reason; and that Thaksin did not live up to his pledge to undertake political reform.
The court also ruled that the Democrat Party did not malign Thaksin or urge voters to cast a "no" vote in the election.
It also found the party innocent of obstructing a parliamentary candidate from registering in a southern constituency.
The historical ruling by the Constitutional Tribunal will be likely to set standards of conduct and behaviors for Thai politicians in the years to come.
Second, the ruling raises controversy as to whether violations of election law can be construed as criminal actions.
It is uncertain how the absence of these high-profile politicians will influence the outcome of the elections to be held by the end of 2007.
The abolishment of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand shall not affect the Organic Act on Political Party BE 2541 (1998).
Announced on 30 September BE 2549 (2006) General Sonthi Boonyaratglin Leader of the Council for Democratic Reform [Published in the Government Gazette, vol.
15 Banning the Political Gatherings and Any Other Political Activities dated 21 September BE 2549 (2006) BE 2550 (2007) Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rex Given on the 12th Day of August BE 2550 (2007) Being the 62nd Year of the Present Reign Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramin Maha Bhumibol Adulyadej is gracious pleased to proclaim that: Whereas it is expedient to amend the Announcement by the Council for Democratic Reform No.
2549 (2006); Be it, therefor, enacted by the King, by and with the advice and consent of the National Legislative Assembly, as follows: Countersigned by General Surayud Chulanont Prime Minister Note: The ground on promulgation of this Act is pursuant to the Announcement by the Council for Democratic Reform No.