Following the May 2023 elections in Thailand, it is apparent that Thai politics continues to be dominated by the conservative establishment. The fact that the winning Move Forward Party was forced to abandon its legitimate right to political power because it refused to relinquish its agenda to reform the lèse-majesté law suggests that the monarchy still largely controls Thai political life. The conservative establishment used the Senate to disqualify Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party, for his premiership. Unlike previous times in which the conservative establishment employed the bluntest of tools—the military coup, it has become more sophisticated by exploiting the parliamentary system to undermine its opponents. This has been done not only through the Senate, but also by working closely with conservative and royalist political parties in isolating the Move Forward Party. In this process, the conservative establishment has shown its willingness to reconcile with its long-time archenemy, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, by allowing him to return home after decades in exile. The homecoming of Thaksin influenced the Pheu Thai Party, backed by him, to part ways with the Move Forward Party and unite with pro-establishment parties in forming the next government, and now led by Srettha Thavisin as prime minister..This will not only damage Thai democracy but will entrench the political position of the conservative establishment, this time, through the supposedly legitimate parliamentary process. The latest surprise, two of King Vajiralongkorn’s estranged sons coming home, will further complicate Thai politics. Will it be a boon or bane for Thai democracy?
Speaker:
Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Associate Professor at Kyoto University's Center for Southeast Asian Studies
Moderator:
Ann Marie Murphy, Professor at Seton Hall University and NYSEAN Co-Founder
To attend the event in person, please register here.
To attend the event online, please register here.
This event is organized by the New York Southeast Asia Network and sponsored by the Weatherhead East Asian Institute.
