12 days that chart 2008

Many events affected the national course and influenced one another. They have culminated in a year-end spectacular, the "Siamese twins" posture between Abhisit Vejjajiva and Newin Chidchob that will take Thailand onto a new path and ensure 2009 will remain very exciting.

Assuming everyone is still dazed, here's our list of 2008's 12 Most Fateful Days to refresh your memory:

Jan 29: Samak becomes prime minister. He has one BIG plan _ to address the nation on TV every weekend _ and a small one _ to teach TV audience how to cook in a seperate programme.

Feb 28: Thaksin Shinawatra returns to Thailand. Yes, it seems like ages ago.

July 31: The Criminal Court finds Pojaman Shinawatra, adopted brother Bannaphot Damapong and her personal secretary Kanchana Honghern guilty of tax evasion. Pojaman and Bannaphot receives three years in jail.

Aug 10: Thaksin and Pojaman become fugitives after choosing not to return to Thailand from the Beijing Olympics.

Aug 26: Samak literally loses his office as the People's Alliance for Democracy moves in to seize Government House. The PAD's image takes a heavy blow.

Sept 9: Samak loses his office for real when the Constitution Court ruled being paid for the cooking show was unconstitutional.

Oct 7: Some PAD demonstrators were mobilized to Parliament. Tear gas was fired, killing two protesters and maiming and injuring many. HM the Queen and former prime minister Anand Panyarachun later attended the funeral of one of the dead victims.

Oct 21: Thaksin is convicted in absentia in the Ratchadapisek land case. This is to be followed by UK's cancellation of his and Pojaman's visas, although it is believed London has greater reasons than this court ruling.

Nov 25: The PAD forces closure of the Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Dec 2: The Constitution Court dissolves the People Power Party and two other coalition parties. Samak's successor Somchai Wongsawat subsequently loses his post.

Dec 4: The nation holds its breath, but the much-anticipated annual birthday speech by HM the King isn't about to be given. The Crown Prince and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn told high-level well-wishers that the king was a bit unwell with fever and sore throat. Nevertheless, the silence from the rare absence is deafening.

Dec 6: Disarrayed allies of the PPP switch support to the Democrats and prop Abhisit up as Thailand's new PM.