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.
Paul Chambers
The relationship between the palace and the police is deepening. Meanwhile, long awaited police reforms are in the balance.
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.
Termsak Chalermpalanupap
A new movement of “fed-up” Thais has arisen, calling for a less ambitious goal — getting the Prime Minister to resign. This will be a tall order.
Paul Chambers
The Thai state’s numerous off-budget militias and paramilitaries should be terminated.
Punchada Sirivunnabood
The appointed Senate is the biggest but not the only obstacle to amending or replacing Thailand’s 2017 Constitution.
Paul Chambers
Thailand’s National Human Rights Commission is weaker and more focused on investigating accusers than those accused of abuses.
Punchada Sirivunnabood
The Thai government is spending more, and more opaquely, on defence procurement.
Paul Chambers
Thailand’s Phalang Pracharat Party is a “junta party” established as a proxy for the 2014-2019 junta and the military, It is specifically designed to sustain the power of the generals Prawit Wongsuwan, Prayut Chan-ocha and Anupong Paochinda. In Thailand itself, the party has become so well-entrenched that it will be a difficult task removing it from office. The party has also become a model for other militaries in Southeast Asia intent on institutionalising their power.
Paul Chambers
The protest movement’s progressive political reform agenda requires an elected Senate, or no Senate.
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.