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

Thailand replaces junta-appointed senators

On 10 July, the Election Commission (EC) officially certified a list of 200 senators in the first process to choose members of the upper house since the military coup. The three-stage Senate election concluded on 26 June, with only those who applied to be candidates eligible to vote in the indirect election. Political analysts note that most elected senators align with conservative and populist interests, with over half tied to the Bhumajaithai Party (BJT) – the third-largest party in the lower house. The official results were initially delayed due to the EC receiving thousands of electoral complaints regarding block-vote rigging allegations and false information provided by candidates; however, upon announcing the results, the EC stated that “at this point, we cannot say the voting was not free and fair.” While no longer able to elect a prime minister, the new Senate retains significant influence over politics through powers such as scrutinizing bills, voting on constitutional amendments and endorsing candidates for key independent agencies. Women’s representation increased to 45 women out of 200 elected (22.5 per cent), from approximately 25 out of 250 (10.4 per cent) in the 2019 military-appointed Senate.

Sources: Associated Press, Bangkok Post (1), Bangkok Post (2), International IDEA (1), International IDEA (2), IPU Parline

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Senate Elections

June 2024

Thai parliament passes historic same-sex marriage bill

On 18 June, Thailand’s Senate passed a same-sex marriage bill that had been approved by the lower house in March. The bill now awaits royal assent, and it will become law 120 days following its publication in the Royal Gazette. The development makes Thailand the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same- sex marriage. The Marriage Equality Act amends Thailand’s Civil Commercial Code, introducing gender-neutral terms that define marriage as a partnership. The bill grants LGBTQIA+ individuals equal rights in adoption, tax allowances and inheritance. LGBTQIA+ rights advocates have hailed the move as a significant victory in their fight for equality.

Sources: Human Rights Watch, The New York Times, The Bangkok Post

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LGBTQIA+ Rights SDG16 SDG5 SDG10

February 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