Writer and political analyst
Thailand, today, remains mired in a political crisis. The country is still as divided as ever. Conflict over what Thai democracy should really be like remains. Trouble seems to continue to loom by the time the next election comes around. In these circumstances, it would be probable that many would now be dusting off their …
Continue reading “The Story of Thai Democracy: Lessons Learned”
This post is the tenth post in the series ‘The Story of Thai Democracy’, where I’ll be covering the political history of Thailand since the transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. You can read the previous posts in this series here. In 2001, a seminar was being held at Thammasat University, discussing the recent election victory …
Continue reading “The Story of Thai Democracy: From Thaksin to Today”
This post is the ninth post in the series ‘The Story of Thai Democracy’, covering the political history of Thailand since the transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. You can see the rest of this project here. The era of Generals Kriangsak Chamanan and Prem Tinsulanonda had been peaceful and stable, but what did not …
This post is the eighth post in the series ‘The Story of Thai Democracy’, covering the political history of Thailand since the transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. You can see the rest of this project here. The period between the twin October tragedies had been chaotic even by the standards of Thai politics. True, …
Continue reading “The Story of Thai Democracy: Premier Prem”
This post is the seventh post in the series ‘The Story of Thai Democracy’, covering the political history of Thailand since the transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. You can see the rest of this project here. The death of Sarit Thanarat left a vacancy in the post of prime minister. Aside from the scandalous …
Continue reading “The Story of Thai Democracy: Octobers of Tragedy”
This post is the sixth post in the series ‘The Story of Thai Democracy’, covering the political history of Thailand since the transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. You can see the rest of this project here. Sarit Thanarat was quite different from his predecessors as prime minister. He grew up in the northeast, Thailand’s …
Continue reading “The Story of Thai Democracy: Strongman Sarit”
This post is the fifth post in the series ‘The Story of Thai Democracy’, covering the political history of Thailand since the transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. You can see the rest of this project here. On 29 June 1951, prime minister Plaek Phibulsongkram (Phibun) was aboard the US navy ship Manhattan to attend the …
Continue reading “The Story of Thai Democracy: The Triumvirate”
This post is the fourth post in the series ‘The Story of Thai Democracy’, covering the political history of Thailand since the transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. You can see the rest of this project here. Plaek Phibulsongkram, known as Phibun to the west and Field Marshal Por to Thais, became prime minister following …
Continue reading “The Story of Thai Democracy: Phibun vs Pridi”
This post is the third post in the series ‘The Story of Thai Democracy’, covering the political history of Thailand since the transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. You can see the rest of this project here. After the 1932 revolution, King Rama VII still reigned, but he no longer ruled. Power was now exercised …
Continue reading “The Story of Thai Democracy: Early Turmoil”
This post is the second post in the series ‘The Story of Thai Democracy’, covering the political history of Thailand since the transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. You can see the rest of this project here. On a winter day in Paris, seven men met together in a coffee shop. While they were all …
Continue reading “The Story of Thai Democracy: The 1932 Revolution”
