Thailand has failed to build a stable consensus about how to distribute political and economic power. And powerful interests, including in the palace and the army, don’t respect electoral mandates.
The royal family itself deserves some of the blame for this situation. During the twilight of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s unprecedented 68-year reign, at a time when the institution needed to unite the people, it has taken sides in an unbecoming battle for political dominance — and democratic voices identify palace aides as their enemies. Republican attitudes, which had been largely dormant since the 1980s, are re-emerging.
If things go badly wrong, Thailand — one of the most successful societies in Asia and comfortable with its positive international and regional standing — could topple from its perch.