In the Land of Democratic Rollback: Military Authoritarianism and Monarchical Primacy in Thailand

Abstract

This study examines authoritarianism in Thailand since the 2014 putsch as a challenge to good governance. It argues that any trends in Thai democratization have always been absorbed by the interests of Thailand’s “parallel state,” as led by the monarchy and military. When elected governments have challenged aristocratic interests, military rollback of democracy has occurred. The regularity of military coups amidst severe political divisions in Thai society has contributed to a political culture of acquiescence to monarchy-endorsed military interference in Thai politics. This study explores Thailand as a country where neo-monarchism, persistent democratic rollback, the authoritarian usage of mega-projects for material gain, and acquiescent political culture have all helped elites to persevere in dominating the country at the expense of the needs of the people.