Understanding Thailand’s Coup

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In The Media

Understanding Thailand’s Coup

Thailand’s coup is rooted in the clash between the rising voice of the rural poor and the established power of the Bangkok elite. The resolution of this clash will determine the character of Thai democracy.

By Vikram Nehru

Published on Jun 2, 2014

Source: Diplomat

Carnegie’s Vikram Nehru sat down with Shannon Tiezzi of the Diplomat to discuss the recent ouster of Thailand’s democratically elected government by the Thai military and constitutional court. In the interview, he explained why this coup is unique in Thailand’s long history of over a dozen coups, and examined the rising political power of the rural poor in the north and northeast of the country, the role of the monarchy in Thai politics and the coup, the implications of the coup for the region, and the steps that will be necessary to reach a democratic resolution. In particular, he emphasized the importance of ensuring political voice for both the increasingly influential rural poor and for the established Bangkok elite. How any proposed resolution handles the issue of federalism, the entrenched role of the Bangkok elite, and the establishment and entrenchment of non-partisan political institutions that stand above the fray will be the key issues to watch and will determine the nature and trajectory of Thailand’s democracy going forward, he concluded.

This interview originally appeared at the Diplomat.

About the Author

Vikram Nehru

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow, Asia Program

Nehru was a nonresident senior fellow in the Carnegie Asia Program. An expert on development economics, growth, poverty reduction, debt sustainability, governance, and the performance and prospects of East Asia, his research focuses on the economic, political, and strategic issues confronting Asia, particularly Southeast Asia.

Recent Work

In The Media
Southeast Asia, the Redback, and Reality
- Vikram Nehru
In The Media
Now Comes Aung San Suu Kyi’s True Test of Leadership
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Political Reform Democracy Southeast Asia

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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