The first demand is very complicated and can only materialize very gradually, but the second demand will be much easier for the Thai political elite to realize.

Sooner or later, the royal family has no choice but to readjust itself to the global wave of democratization, and the military has few alternatives but to stop the long-held coup tradition and let civil society determine the future of the great nation. Thailand is one of ASEAN’s most important members. It was in Bangkok that ASEAN was born on Aug. 8, 1967.

Thailand is now in a serious leadership crisis and probably in its most critical situation in the last few decades. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha looks very confident he can handle the protests, which have occurred almost every day. The former army general has also played down the power of social media and the aspirations of millennials, many of whom are under 30.

However, the PM has to sleep with two enemies now: the king and the new army chief.

The situation would not have turned critical had Prayut voluntarily stepped down two years ago, just before Thailand took its turn as the ASEAN chair. Now, he has ruled the country for six years, which is just too long for a coup leader, as other generals may want a taste of power themselves.

I had a personal experience with Prayut in 2018. It was a scary moment for me.

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