Thailand is on the verge of a new democratic spring, but significant obstacles could stand in the way

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Thai voters spoke nervously of their democratic aspirations and allowed a military-led government into power.

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Monday, May 15, 2023

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Thai voters spoke nervously of their democratic aspirations and allowed a military-led government into power.
Now, after four years of a functioning parliamentary democracy, Thai voters have roared.
With nearly all votes counted in Sunday’s parliamentary election, they have resoundingly rejected the junta and its successor military-proxy parties.

Move Forward has a similar leader in the Harvard-educated former businessman Pita Limjaroenrat – someone who is both well-educated and business-minded.
Democratic institutions have taken a battering in the region in recent years, with Myanmar’s 2021 coup and Cambodia’s turn to increasingly autocratic rule under Hun Sen.
Read more:
'This country belongs to the people': why young Thais are no longer afraid to take on the monarchy

If this were to occur, they would be a minority government, unable to pass laws without opposition support, and subject to no-confidence motions.
Would Pheu Thai try to elevate Paetongtarn - the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra – into the role?
The chances of both parties forming a working coalition would be strengthened if they could bring Bhumjaithai into the government.
Bhumjaithai’s leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, the current health minister and a cannabis advocate, has insisted that changing Thailand’s cannabis law is non-negotiable for his party.

There are strong precedents for this, as previous progressive parties have been dissolved through court rulings – a misfortune yet to befall any of the conservative parties.
Pita is currently facing a lawsuit related to his possession of shares in a media company.
This means the joint sitting of parliament should happen faster and a coalition will soon emerge.