Thailand: robust electoral politics but unstable democracy

The then opposition Puea Thai party candidate (now Prime-Minister of Thailand) Yingluck Shinawatra celebrates her victory at party headquarters in Bangkok. (Photo AAP/Nicolas Asfouri)

Author: Prajak Kongkirati, ANU

On the surface the general election of 3 July 2011 may look like any other Thai election, but both its timing and context set it apart as historically significant.

Incumbent Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva called for elections on 11 March 2011, even though his government had until the year’s end to finish its term. Read more…