Thailand four years after the coup: the struggle against the dissenters

Abstract

Thailand four years after the coup: the struggle against the dissentersPoowin Bunyavejchewin ♣ After the 2006 coup d'état, there were many unusual incidents in Thailand, some of which involved considerable bloodshed, which originated from clashes between those in power and dissenters. This article examines how political institutions in Thailand are structured, and the author argues that, in order to effectively assess the state of Thai politics after the coup, an analysis of the structures of political legitimacy in the country is essential. The author will be exploring the way in which political legitimacy is generally determined by the established power holders, especially the monarchy and its allies. The ideologies and beliefs of recent dissenters will also be examined in detail.

Repression, Civil Conflict and Leadership Tenure; the Thai Case Study: 2006-2014

“…The Thai public responded negatively to violent repression, as did many of Thailand's allies in Europe, Asia and North America. In the wake of public dissatisfaction with Abhisit, the regime allowed general elections [19,20].…”