ARTICLES

22 Apr 2021

Of Partisan Reshuffles and Stalled Reforms: Thailand’s Police in 2021

Paul Chambers

The relationship between the palace and the police is deepening. Meanwhile, long awaited police reforms are in the balance.

20 Apr 2021

When “Tony” Goes Clubbing: The Power of Clubhouse in Thailand

Punchada Sirivunnabood

Clubhouse, a new audio-based social media app, has gained much popularity in Thailand, despite official warnings to users who denigrate the reputation of the government and the monarchy. A pertinent question is whether the Thai government will use the app to reach out to its opponents.

Human Rights Thai Monarchy Thai Politics Thailand

2 Mar 2021

What’s Good for the Goose is Good for the Gander

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

The convictions of three ministers do not augur well for the ruling coalition led by Thai Prime Minister Prayut. It also sets a precedent for pro-democracy protestors who have been detained - invoking one’s constitutional right to justify unlawful protest activities is an invalid legal defence.

Thai Military Thai Monarchy Thai Politics Thailand

29 Oct 2020

Hope Over Fear: The 2020 Student-led Protests in Thailand

Punchada Sirivunnabood

Similar goals link the current protests in Thailand with earlier ones. Their different tactics make them harder for authorities to quell.

Thai Monarchy Thailand

18 Aug 2020

Thai Student Protests: Conjuring Up the Ghosts of 1932

Michael J. Montesano

That calls for replacement of Thailand’s military-imposed constitution have touched on the political role of the monarchy is no surprise. Growing signs of support for constitutional change in provincial Thailand may be a more telling development.

Thai Monarchy Thai Politics Thailand

5 Nov 2019

Anand Panyarachun and Royal Intervention in Thai Politics

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

Unlike most constitutional monarchies that stay above the political fray, the late King Bhumibol often sent his men to rescue Thailand from crises - such as the appointment of Anand Panyarachun as Prime Minister after the 1992 protests. However, these royal interventions were not always effective, and had in fact eroded the monarchy's popular legitimacy.

Thai Monarchy Thai Politics Thailand

30 Nov 2016

Thailand’s New King

Terence Chong

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will ascend to become King Rama X after accepting the invitation by the Thai parliament. How he reigns will affect the monarchy's relationship with the military-backed parliament and the support of the public.

Thai Monarchy Thai Politics Thailand

14 Oct 2016

The Death of a King

Terence Chong

The passing of King Bhumibol's, a figure of stability, is marked by grief and uncertainty over the economic and political state of the country. The newly crowned King Rama X's actions will set the tone for the monarchy to be above the political squalor or be tainted by it.

Thai Monarchy Thailand