Abstract
For nearly two decades, Thailand has witnessed complex and dramatic political changes. Long considered among the most stable countries in Southeast Asia, in some key respects it has become deeply divided along regional, socio-economic, and ideological lines. The democratization process that began in the 1980s now faces enormous challenges with the return of military authoritarianism, endemic corruption, and fundamental divergences about the role of the monarchy. This paper examines some of the major developments that have shaped the Thai polity over the past 20 years, focusing on questions about development, identity, and democracy since 2014. This study explains some of the many divisions that exist amongst Thais, and situates the contemporary crisis in terms of national, regional, and international dynamics.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Civic, Political, and Community Studies
KEYWORDS
Democracy, Identity, Nation, Development, Governance
