Your Friday Brief: A Guide to the Thai Elections
A high-stakes election in Thailand
Thai voters go to the polls on Sunday in an election that could put the country on a path to an end to eight years of military rule.
In the vote, pro-democracy opposition parties will face Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the general who seized power in a coup in 2014. This is evident from most opinion polls Paetongtarn Shinawatrawhose father, Thaksin, was ousted in a separate coup in 2006 as the current front-runner for the premiership.
To understand the wide range of issues at play, we reached out to Sui-Lee Wee, our Southeast Asia bureau chief.
What are you going to watch on Sunday?
This election is very consistent. We will probably see a rejection of the military at the polls. While Thais are used to the military meddling in domestic politics, they have never been under authoritarian rule for as long as this current term, which is eight years. Many voters are now seeking change, and opinion polls show they support opposition parties promising a shift to democracy.
The vote could also pave the way for the return of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister overthrown in a coup. No politician in Thailand is more divisive than Thaksin, and a victory for his party could set the stage for weeks or months of tension and political paralysis. Ultimately, these elections will be a test of whether the military, which Thaksin has long regarded as his nemesis, will respect the will of the people.
What could it mean for the royal family?
Depending on which party dominates, there may be room for discussion about the future of the monarchy. Political parties are debating whether to change or expand a strict law criminalizing criticism of the monarchy.
If the military-backed parties lose, the monarchy’s future could look less certain. The military has always been seen as the guardians of the institution, and without it at the helm of government, the country’s conservatives could be nervous.
Will the elections have an impact in the region?
If an opposition party wins, it would hopefully mean Thailand can revive its once-vibrant democracy. But if history is any guide, the military is unlikely to relinquish power easily. It is now difficult to predict whether the country can finally break out of the cycle of coups d’état and short-lived civilian governments.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered Khan to be released
Pakistan’s Supreme Court declared the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan unlawful and ordered his release. The ruling was a victory for Khanwhose arrest had sparked protests from his supporters across the country.
The court’s ruling is likely to escalate tensions and spark direct conflict between the Supreme Court and the Pakistani military, widely regarded as the driving force behind Khan’s arrest at a court hearing this week in Islamabad.
Context: The court said security forces had to get permission before they could make an arrest on the court’s premises. Khan can be re-arrested under various circumstances.
Chinese companies are building local supply chains, raising billions in cash from Beijing and investors to cultivate homegrown alternatives.
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ART AND IDEAS
Which song represents your home?
Music can transport us, emotionally and physically. For example Simon and Garfunkel’s”AmericaAlways reminds me of childhood motivations.
Communities all over the world have folk songs and songs that evoke the emotion of the place and the people. For our readers we like to put together a playlist with the songs that remind you of your home.
What is the typical Bangkok number? How does Mumbai sound to you? What do you blow when you miss Japan, or when your plane lands in Shanghai after a long time? Tell us about it. We may add your song to our playlist and share your thoughts with readers in a future edition of this newsletter. — Amelia