Following the formation of a new government in Thailand, political tension is increasing, with growing speculation about the possibility of another military coup. The aftermath of controversial events surrounding Thaksin Shinawatra and political struggles within the current government cast shadows over the stability of the country, while the population and parliament are becoming increasingly critical.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 36, daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is an up-and-coming political figure who is running for leadership as Thailand's next leader. Despite her family's political legacy, marked by military coups and forced depositions of power, Paetongtarn is determined to forge her own path. With plans to restore Thai democracy, boost the economy and address social issues such as education, healthcare and environmental issues, she hopes to bring about positive change in her country.
Generals in charge: Phraya Phahol Pholphayuhashena
If there has been one constant in the more than turbulent Thai politics over the last hundred years or so, it is the military. Since the military-backed coup d'état of June 24, 1932, which ended absolute monarchy, the military has seized power in the Land of Smiles no fewer than twelve times.
The 'Revolution That Never Happened'
The 1932 Revolution was a coup that ended the absolutist monarchy in Siam. Without doubt a benchmark in the modern historiography of the country. In my view, the palace revolt of 1912, which is often described as the 'revolt that never took place', was at least as important but now even more hidden between the folds of history. Perhaps partly due to the fact that there are many parallels to be drawn between these historical events and the present…
The 1951 Manhattan mutiny in Bangkok
It is more than 69 years ago that a bloody battle took place in Bangkok between units of the Royal Thai Navy on the one hand and the army, police and air force of Thailand on the other. It was, in fact, a failed coup attempt by Royal Thai Navy officers against Prime Minister Phibun's government.
Beauty queen on Myanmar massacre
Things are not going well in Myanmar, Thailand's neighbour, where a military junta is cracking down on protesting civilians after the February 1 coup d'état. Daily reports appear in the press and on social media about the demonstrations there and the many deaths they have caused so far.
Thailand Photo of the Day: Daily protests in Bangkok against military violence in Burma (Myanmar)
Thai and Burmese protest daily in Bangkok against the military violence and the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma. Army chief Min Aung Hlaing has taken over power in the country after a coup (the name Burma has been renamed Myanmar by the military).
Tensions in Burma & the Karen
Now that the first deaths have occurred in Burma in the demonstrations against the military coup two weeks ago, tensions on the Thai-Burmese border have also started to rise. After all, it remains to be seen whether the military junta, just as it happened in 1988 and 2007, wants to nip the protests in the bud with a heavy hand.
Meanwhile in Burma
Last week's military coup in Burma also caused some commotion in Thailand. And that's not really surprising. In recent years, politically charged issues such as the territorial dispute over three islands in the mouth of the Kraburi River, the brutal persecution of the Rohingya and the influx of thousands of illegal Burmese workers into the Thai labor market have in any case caused relations between the two countries to suffer. created tensions.
Military coup in Myanmar
It's bumblebee with the neighbor of Thailand. The military in Myanmar has staged a coup and arrested government leader Aung San Suu Kyi. In addition, a state of emergency has been declared. Military commander-in-chief General Min Aung Hlaing will take over power for a period of one year, the coup plotters said in a TV broadcast.
Bangkok, October 14, 1973
It seems very likely that October 14 will lead to a new upsurge of anti-regime protests in Bangkok. It is absolutely no coincidence that the protesters will take to the streets again on that very day. October 14 is a very symbolic date because on that day in 1973 the dictatorial rule of Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn came to an end. I also bring this story to indicate how past and present can become intertwined and how striking historical parallels can be established between Bangkok in 1973 and Bangkok in 2020.
Impunity and human rights in Thailand
Thailand has a long history of unpunished disproportionate violence perpetrated by the state against its citizens. For decades, those seen as a threat by the Thai government have faced intimidation, arrest, torture, disappearance or even death. Impunity reigns, basic human rights of citizens are trampled underfoot, but no one is really held accountable for these matters.
Was Prayut's coup illegal?
That question is now before the Supreme Court. Pro-democracy activist Anon Nampha filed suit against junta General Prayut Chan-ocha, alleging "illegally overthrowing the government." The verdict is on June 22.
Tino translated an article about the moral and intellectual bankruptcy of the current Thai middle class, published on May 1st on the news website AsiaSentinel. The writer Pithaya Pookaman is a former ambassador for Thailand and also a prominent member of the Pheu Thai Party.
A new story from Khamsing
This short story by Khamsing Srinawk is from 1958, a few years after contested elections and a coup d'état in 1957. It captures the political chaos of that time well.
Thailand Disrupted: The Death of Thai-Style Democracy (Part 1)
To better understand Thailand you need to know its history. You can dive into the books for that, among other things. One of the books that should not be missed is Federico Ferrara's “Thailand Unhinged: The Death of Thai-Style Democracy”. Ferrara is a lecturer in Asian Politics at the University of Hong Kong. In his book, Ferrara discusses the turmoil surrounding the deposition of former Prime Minister Thaksin and the political turmoil in the decades that preceded it, and Rob V. summarizes the most important chapters in this diptych.
Change of command: Big Three need loyal successors
The Big Three need successors loyal to them to ensure that the change of command goes smoothly and that their successors do not stage a counter-coup. This writes Wassana Nanuam in an analysis, with which Bangkok Post opens today.
News from Thailand – August 12, 2014
Today in News from Thailand:
• Queen Sirikit's birthday; King Bhumibol is in good health
• Yingluck back in Thailand; So it was rumours
• All international reactions to coup in a clear overview
Prayuth: Keep the king out of it
The coup of May 22 was a decision of army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha. He took it alone; the monarchy was not involved. Prayuth emphasized this yesterday at a forum, where the national reform campaign was launched.
Large-scale PR campaign for popular support
Five thousand soldiers march into the country to warm up the population to the junta's reform roadmap. 738 'community relations units' will 'sell' the ideas of the military authority. The information should lead to a 'better understanding' and a 'better image' of the junta.
News from Thailand – August 2, 2014
Today in News from Thailand
• Charity Dinner Bangkok Post: 7.777 baht for a 7-course dinner
• Academics Chulalongkorn University: Don't panic about Ebola
• Armed forces get a firm finger in the pie in emergency parliament
Local elections postponed
All local elections have been canceled for the time being. With this measure, the junta wants to contain the influence of national politicians. At the same time, a stable political climate is maintained because election campaigns and
meetings cancelled.