TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Why I remain hopeful despite Thailand's fragile democracy

Thai citizens are increasingly recognizing that political uncertainty breeds economic stagnation, with judicial overreach as the likely culprit.

Pita Limjaroenrat (The Jakarta Post)
Premium
Bangkok
Tue, August 6, 2024 Published on Aug. 5, 2024 Published on 2024-08-05T10:35:30+07:00

Change text size

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Why I remain hopeful despite Thailand's fragile democracy A banner is wrapped around the Democracy Monument during a protest following the suspension of Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat in Bangkok on July 19, 2023. Thailand's constitutional court suspended reformist Pita Limjaroenrat on July 19, in another blow to his hopes of becoming the nation's next leader after a stunning election win. (AFP/Jack Taylor)

I

n Thailand, politics often prove stranger than fiction. Having won the majority of seats in last year's general elections, my party and I now find ourselves entangled in legal battles rather than governing as mandated by 14 million voters.

The Thai elite, through their institutionalized counter-majoritarian mechanisms, have accused us of attempting to overthrow the state. This sweeping charge stems from our proposal to amend Thailand's lèse-majesté law, hoping to prevent its exploitation as a tool to silence political opponents and instill fear in critics.

Tomorrow, the Constitutional Court is set to rule without further investigation or seeking my appearance. A guilty verdict would lead to the dissolution of Thailand's largest political party and potentially ban me, along with many colleagues, from politics for life.

Yet, while a cursory glance suggests Thai democracy faces a grievous threat, hampering our constituents' aspirations for a better country, a closer inspection offers glimmers of hope.

First, Thai citizens are increasingly recognizing that political uncertainty breeds economic stagnation, with judicial overreach as the likely culprit. This realization was not as prevalent before the current round of instability.

Once one of Asia's tigers with an economy dubbed "Teflon", Thailand's political problems did not significantly affect its economic attractiveness. However, those days are long gone, with Thailand being the worst performer among ASEAN's six largest economies in the first quarter of 2024.

Viewpoint

Every Thursday

Whether you're looking to broaden your horizons or stay informed on the latest developments, "Viewpoint" is the perfect source for anyone seeking to engage with the issues that matter most.

By registering, you agree with The Jakarta Post's

Thank You

for signing up our newsletter!

Please check your email for your newsletter subscription.

View More Newsletter

Public disagreements between the embattled prime minister and the governor of the Bank of Thailand over interest rates have dampened economic confidence. Thailand's growth engines, led by tourism and private consumption, are sluggish; agricultural and industrial production and exports are contracting, while household and corporate debts continue to rise. Our economic problems are structural, attributable to a loss of competitiveness in human capital and a failure to transition from manufacturing to digital technology.

to Read Full Story

  • Unlimited access to our web and app content
  • e-Post daily digital newspaper
  • No advertisements, no interruptions
  • Privileged access to our events and programs
  • Subscription to our newsletters
or

Purchase access to this article for

We accept

TJP - Visa
TJP - Mastercard
TJP - GoPay

Redirecting you to payment page

Pay per article

Why I remain hopeful despite Thailand's fragile democracy

Rp 35,000 / article

1
Create your free account
By proceeding, you consent to the revised Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.
Already have an account?

2
  • Palmerat Barat No. 142-143
  • Central Jakarta
  • DKI Jakarta
  • Indonesia
  • 10270
  • +6283816779933
2
Total Rp 35,000

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.

Share options

Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!

Change text size options

Customize your reading experience by adjusting the text size to small, medium, or large—find what’s most comfortable for you.

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!

Continue in the app

Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.