Recent post - note i firmly believe RED Shits is more aligned with the UK via Thaksin.
Though there is a open line with China, the Military however are very open to China.
COUP - Thailand has long been a key ally of the United States, with both nations seeking to continue to nurture strong military and economic relationships. However, since the military’s 2014 coup, Thailand has increasingly turned towards China for support.
Despite Washington’s best efforts to lure Bangkok back into its orbit, Thailand’s recent domestic and international actions indicate that a realignment with the West is unlikely any time soon. Last year’s elections did present a glimmer of hope, when the progressive political party Move Forward overwhelmingly won the public mandate to form a government, with 312 seats in the legislature’s 500-member lower house.
However, the military-backed constitution implemented in 2017 requires a new prime minister to receive a majority vote from the elected House of Representatives and the 250-member military government-appointed senate. Move Forward’s Pita Limjaroenrat only received backing from 13 senators when he attempted to form a coalition.
The final blow to the party occurred recently when the Thai Constitutional Court voted to disband it. Despite this, the party was reconstituted with a new leader and took on a new name, the People’s Party.
The Pheu Thai Party, which placed second in the election, then formed a coalition that included politicians associated with the military. Property tycoon Srettha Thavisin assumed the role of prime minister before his sudden removal by Thailand’s top court last Wednesday. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, has now been chosen to replace him.
Rather than seeking to upset the status quo and implement major reforms to the constitution, particularly with regard to the lèse-majesté law – which carries a penalty of up to 15 years in jail for anyone who insults Thailand’s monarchy – Thavisin focused his agenda on economics. This is with good cause, as Thailand’s per capita income levels have not rebounded above their 2019 levels.
Although Thavisin did not govern as an overtly China-leaning politician, his agenda in office indicated he perceived China as the better partner. In particular, his administration hoped to lure Chinese tourists back to Thailand and for Thailand to reach its pre-pandemic tourism levels. From January 1 to July 28 this year, Thailand welcomed 20.3 million tourists, a 34 per cent increase over the same period last year.
Beyond tourism, Thailand hopes China can help develop its critical industries, such as the car manufacturing sector. Chinese carmaker BYD opened its first electric vehicle plant in Southeast Asia, in Rayong, Thailand, part of a larger investment worth US$1.44 billion. This move will help Thailand expand beyond manufacturing mostly Japanese car brands.
Thailand has sought to move closer to China in multiple domains – in addition to courting Chinese investment and tourism, Bangkok has also increased military ties between the two countries.
Indicative of its intentions is a deal to purchase the Chinese-built S26T Yuan-class submarine. The deal had run into hurdles, including that the submarine no longer had a German-made diesel engine. Eventually, Thailand accepted the Chinese-made CHD620 diesel engine.
The Thai military’s control over key aspects of the government will limit any potential moves by officials to reverse current trends. The military and conservatives’ increasing entrenchment is evident in the dissolution of the Move Forward Party and the 10-year ban imposed on its leaders from engaging in political activities. In addition, Thaksin Shinawatra is still facing lèse-majesté charges, accused of insulting the monarchy in a 2015 interview.
The July election of 200 new senators solidified the military’s grip over the senate. This election was not without its controversy, however; the commission received thousands of complaints, including accusations that candidates misrepresented their qualifications.
The big winner of these elections was the conservative party, the Bhumjaithai Party. Although not directly linked to the military, it maintains a similar ideological stance and aligns itself more closely with the royalists.
Although the senate cannot make laws on its own, its approval is required for any legislation to become law. Moreover, it selects the members of independent regulatory bodies, most notably the Election Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Senate votes are required to amend the constitution.
Despite these realities, Thailand still recognises the US as a crucial partner. According to an Asia Foundation survey, 83 per cent of Thai respondents still view the US as important for Thailand’s future. Of particular note, 75 per cent put economic links in their top three areas they saw as beneficial to the Thai-US relationship – the highest of all the options.
Therefore, the US should seek to improve economic ties and maintain its destination as a key export hub, particularly as Thailand’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies make military cooperation difficult. From January to March, the US surpassed China as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ largest export destination, while Thailand’s first-quarter exports to China fell 5.1 per cent year on year.
The US should also increase investment in the country. One way would be through the newly announced coalition between investment firms and the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Prosperity. This public-private-partnership intends to invest US$25 billion in infrastructure in the region, providing an opportunity for a bigger US economic footprint.
Although Thailand continues to move closer to China, strong economic engagement from Washington can show Bangkok the clear benefits of closer relations with the US and the liberal international order.
Note he was merely a puppet for Thaksin anyway, now its his daughter
Note when coups happen, its BAU, apart from M-law it won't really disturb most of us.
Wife voted for future forward, but even she wants the military back in control due to the rising taxes and issues with them debasing for socialism appeasement of the plebs up north.
Though there is a open line with China, the Military however are very open to China.
COUP - Thailand has long been a key ally of the United States, with both nations seeking to continue to nurture strong military and economic relationships. However, since the military’s 2014 coup, Thailand has increasingly turned towards China for support.
Despite Washington’s best efforts to lure Bangkok back into its orbit, Thailand’s recent domestic and international actions indicate that a realignment with the West is unlikely any time soon. Last year’s elections did present a glimmer of hope, when the progressive political party Move Forward overwhelmingly won the public mandate to form a government, with 312 seats in the legislature’s 500-member lower house.
However, the military-backed constitution implemented in 2017 requires a new prime minister to receive a majority vote from the elected House of Representatives and the 250-member military government-appointed senate. Move Forward’s Pita Limjaroenrat only received backing from 13 senators when he attempted to form a coalition.
The final blow to the party occurred recently when the Thai Constitutional Court voted to disband it. Despite this, the party was reconstituted with a new leader and took on a new name, the People’s Party.
The Pheu Thai Party, which placed second in the election, then formed a coalition that included politicians associated with the military. Property tycoon Srettha Thavisin assumed the role of prime minister before his sudden removal by Thailand’s top court last Wednesday. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, has now been chosen to replace him.
Rather than seeking to upset the status quo and implement major reforms to the constitution, particularly with regard to the lèse-majesté law – which carries a penalty of up to 15 years in jail for anyone who insults Thailand’s monarchy – Thavisin focused his agenda on economics. This is with good cause, as Thailand’s per capita income levels have not rebounded above their 2019 levels.
Although Thavisin did not govern as an overtly China-leaning politician, his agenda in office indicated he perceived China as the better partner. In particular, his administration hoped to lure Chinese tourists back to Thailand and for Thailand to reach its pre-pandemic tourism levels. From January 1 to July 28 this year, Thailand welcomed 20.3 million tourists, a 34 per cent increase over the same period last year.
Beyond tourism, Thailand hopes China can help develop its critical industries, such as the car manufacturing sector. Chinese carmaker BYD opened its first electric vehicle plant in Southeast Asia, in Rayong, Thailand, part of a larger investment worth US$1.44 billion. This move will help Thailand expand beyond manufacturing mostly Japanese car brands.
Thailand has sought to move closer to China in multiple domains – in addition to courting Chinese investment and tourism, Bangkok has also increased military ties between the two countries.
Indicative of its intentions is a deal to purchase the Chinese-built S26T Yuan-class submarine. The deal had run into hurdles, including that the submarine no longer had a German-made diesel engine. Eventually, Thailand accepted the Chinese-made CHD620 diesel engine.
The Thai military’s control over key aspects of the government will limit any potential moves by officials to reverse current trends. The military and conservatives’ increasing entrenchment is evident in the dissolution of the Move Forward Party and the 10-year ban imposed on its leaders from engaging in political activities. In addition, Thaksin Shinawatra is still facing lèse-majesté charges, accused of insulting the monarchy in a 2015 interview.
The July election of 200 new senators solidified the military’s grip over the senate. This election was not without its controversy, however; the commission received thousands of complaints, including accusations that candidates misrepresented their qualifications.
The big winner of these elections was the conservative party, the Bhumjaithai Party. Although not directly linked to the military, it maintains a similar ideological stance and aligns itself more closely with the royalists.
Although the senate cannot make laws on its own, its approval is required for any legislation to become law. Moreover, it selects the members of independent regulatory bodies, most notably the Election Commission and the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Senate votes are required to amend the constitution.
Despite these realities, Thailand still recognises the US as a crucial partner. According to an Asia Foundation survey, 83 per cent of Thai respondents still view the US as important for Thailand’s future. Of particular note, 75 per cent put economic links in their top three areas they saw as beneficial to the Thai-US relationship – the highest of all the options.
Therefore, the US should seek to improve economic ties and maintain its destination as a key export hub, particularly as Thailand’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies make military cooperation difficult. From January to March, the US surpassed China as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ largest export destination, while Thailand’s first-quarter exports to China fell 5.1 per cent year on year.
The US should also increase investment in the country. One way would be through the newly announced coalition between investment firms and the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Prosperity. This public-private-partnership intends to invest US$25 billion in infrastructure in the region, providing an opportunity for a bigger US economic footprint.
Although Thailand continues to move closer to China, strong economic engagement from Washington can show Bangkok the clear benefits of closer relations with the US and the liberal international order.
No usually takes a couple of years... all depends, i.e i didn't think they would get rid of the moron we've just had so quickly, and he was heavily aligned with socialism and US interests whilst having a olive branch to the BRICS.
Note he was merely a puppet for Thaksin anyway, now its his daughter
Note when coups happen, its BAU, apart from M-law it won't really disturb most of us.
Wife voted for future forward, but even she wants the military back in control due to the rising taxes and issues with them debasing for socialism appeasement of the plebs up north.
