The Intelligence from The Economist New school Thais: a military establishment voted out
May 16, 2023
Sue-Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent, dives into the recent Thai election where a reformist party surged, challenging military dominance amid hopes for true democracy. Avantika Tilkoti sheds light on the bureaucratic inefficiencies plaguing USAID's international aid, emphasizing the need for reform to empower local initiatives. Abby Bertics reveals the Ocean Census project, which aims to discover 100,000 new marine species, highlighting its significance for biodiversity and climate resilience.
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Shift in Thai Politics
- Thailand's election saw a reformist party, Move Forward, win the most seats, challenging the traditional two-sided political landscape.
- This suggests a potential shift in Thai politics away from the established royalist and populist factions.
Public Reaction to Election
- Move Forward's unexpected success led to spontaneous celebrations in Bangkok.
- Voter turnout was historically high, indicating a strong desire for change.
Winners and Losers
- Pro-democracy parties, Move Forward and Pheu Thai, gained a combined majority in the lower house.
- Pro-military parties, including the incumbent prime minister's, suffered significant losses.