Thailand has endured political upheaval since a military coup in 2006 which ousted then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who went into exile.

BBC: Red shirts storm parliament in Bangkok, April 2010

Mr Thaksin lives abroad after being ousted in a coup in 2006, but remains a polarising figure in Thailand.

BBC: Cathay Pacific 'coffee threat attendant' loses job

He is back in Thailand for the first time since being ousted as Prime Minister in a military coup in September 2006.

BBC: Eriksson upbeat on Thaksin future