Thailand

Monthly Event Reports GSOD Indices Archive

Thailand exhibits low-range performance across two categories of the Global State of Democracy framework: Rights and Rule of Law; it performs in the mid-range in Representation and Participation. It is among the bottom 25 per cent of countries with regard to several factors of democratic performance. Over the last five years, Thailand has experienced notable drops in Freedom of Movement and Economic Equality, though it has seen advances in nearly all factors of Representation. These improvements have largely been due to the openings that preceded the 2023 election. It is home to Southeast Asia’s second largest economy, which depends on a diverse range of industries, including tourism, export-oriented manufacturing, and agricultural products.

Unlike its neighbours, Thailand was never directly colonized. It was instead ruled by an absolute monarchy until 1932, when a revolution resulted in a constitutional monarchy. Since then, the country has alternated between military and civilian rule, and the military, the economic elite and the monarchy remain closely interlinked. Over the past decade, the most noteworthy developments include the 2014 military coup that ended a period of democratization (1992-2006) and the opening of political and civic space since 2018. Since 2014, Thailand had been under military rule, which exerted total control of the political process thanks to a tailor-made constitution designed to cement the armed forces’ grip on power. Protests in 2020-2021 demanded restraining the power of the military and, for the first time in modern Thailand, of the monarch. Military rule and the King’s support of the former remain the main obstacles for democratization. The 2023 election signaled a potential turning point, as opposition parties emerged victorious. However, conservative and military influences persist in shaping the political landscape, as seen in attempts to block the election winner from forming a government and subsequent dissolution threats.

The dominant ethnic group is Thai (98 per cent), followed by Burmese (1 per cent) and other groups, including the Chinese and the Malay Muslim minorities. Chinese minorities play an especially influential role in business and politics. Separately, some Malay Muslims have influenced dynamics in the South, where there have been separatist tensions. Yet, Thai nationalism and assimilation have – to a certain extent - diluted the differences amongst the various communities. The country is largely Theravada Buddhist, except in the southern regions, where Sunni Islam is predominant. Throughout the twentieth century, the southern part of the country has experienced intermittent violence, with separatist groups challenging the central authority. At the beginning of the 2000s, these tensions resurged as armed groups with more Salafist-oriented demands have gained more power. The conflict remains unresolved, although attempts at negotiation have taken place in recent years.

Despite advancements in gender equality within education and workforce participation, challenges remain in addressing gender-based violence, wage gaps and low female representation in politics. In June 2024, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.

Looking ahead, it will be important to watch Rights, especially as the country continues to grapple with restrictions on the freedom of expression related to the royal defamation law. Rule of Law will also need to be monitored in line with ongoing efforts to reform or replace the 2017 military-drafted constitution with a more democratic one – a process which would require three referendums. Key areas to watch include Representation relating to eventual electoral system changes such as reducing the power of the Senate, amongst other things.

Last updated: June 2024

Opposition Move Forward Party faces dissolution

The Move Forward Party (MFP) faces potential dissolution as it faces mounting legal challenges following a recent Constitutional Court ruling that deemed MFP’s proposed amendments to the royal insult law constituted an attempt to overthrow Thailand’s constitutional monarchy. A day after the 31 January ruling, petitions were initiated urging the Election Commission to advocate for MFP’s disbandment before the Constitutional Court. The final decision could materialize within weeks or months, with rights advocates highlighting that the unfolding events offer a textbook example of how the political establishment employs state mechanisms to suppress opposition movements.

Sources: Bangkok Post, The Diplomat, International IDEA

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Constitutional Court SDG16

January 2024

Constitutional Court bans expressions on amending lese-majesty laws

On 31 January, Thailand’s constitutional court issued a ruling declaring that the opposition Move Forward Party’s (MFP) campaign to amend the nation’s royal insult law was in violation of the constitution. The Court directed MFP to cease all attempts to advocate for the law’s abolition through any medium. Additionally, the ruling stipulated that any amendments to the law must adhere strictly to "lawful legislative measures," such as those conducted within parliament, thereby potentially excluding discourse by legislators with the public or social media engagement from the process. Although no immediate penalties were imposed by the ruling, political analysts speculate that it could potentially serve as grounds for the dissolution of MFP. The decision follows as ex-MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat was cleared in another legal case aimed at disqualifying him from parliament. Earlier in the month, a man was sentenced to a record 50 years for criticising the Thai monarchy.

Sources: BBC News, Bangkok Post, International IDEA, The New York Times

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Pita Limjaroenrat Constitutional Court SDG16

December 2023

Thailand takes steps toward legalizing same-sex marriage

On 21 December, Thailand’s parliament overwhelmingly endorsed the first reading of four draft bills aimed at establishing a legal framework for same-sex unions. The bill seeks to revise the Civil and Commercial Code by adopting more inclusive language, modifying existing definitions of marriage and replacing terms like “husband and wife” with gender-neutral terms. The proposed amendments would also grant LGBTQIA+ couples the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts, including adoption and inheritance rights. Subsequently, a committee will be formed to merge the four bills into one, ahead of further readings and necessary approval stages before becoming law. LGBTQIA+ rights advocates have welcomed the move, noting that if enacted and receiving royal assent, the bill could take effect as early as mid-2024.

Sources: Bangkok Post, The Diplomat, Nation Thailand, Amnesty International, Deutsche Welle

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LGBTQIA+ Rights SDG16 SDG10

August 2023

Parliament votes in new prime minister

On 22 August, Thailand's parliament elected Srettha Thavisin from the opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP) as the new prime minister, concluding a three-month political impasse. This followed failed attempts by Move Forward Party's (MFP) leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, to secure sufficient support for the position from a military-appointed Senate after winning a plurality in the May polls. Before the failed bid, MFP and PTP had taken steps to form an eight-party coalition. Srettha's election coincides with PTP's decision to form an 11-party coalition that includes two pro-military parties. Move Forward Party was excluded due to its commitment to reform the royal defamation law. Political analysts have expressed uncertainty about Srettha's ability to govern effectively due to PTP's “numerical disadvantage compared to conservative partners in the coalition.” Srettha, considered a "political newcomer," has vowed to address income inequality, LGBTQIA+ rights, and corruption.

Sources: Bangkok Post, CNN, Channel News Asia, Associated Press