Assessing the Future of Thailand’s Military

THAILAND STUDIES PROGRAMME

About the Hybrid Seminar

In Thailand’s constitutional monarchy, the military has been, and continues to be, a leading political institution. Multiple coups have demonstrated such prowess, most recently in 2006 and 2014. During Thailand’s 2019-2023 “charade” democracy, military influence persisted indirectly. Since the 2023 general election, military clout has been in the shadows. The military faces two major obstacles: military factionalism and civilian demands for getting the military out of politics and vigorous military reform. What is the Srettha Administration trying to do to deter new coup attempts?

In this seminar, Dr Chambers will argue that the Thai military has become more factionalised, and it will continue to intervene in Thai politics. This means another coup in Thailand cannot be completely ruled out.

About the Speaker

Dr Paul Chambers is a lecturer and advisor for International Affairs at the Center of ASEAN Community Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand. Dr Chambers is a part-time Visiting Fellow at the Thailand Studies Programme of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. He has a PhD in political science from Northern Illinois University. His articles have appeared in Asian Survey, Contemporary Southeast Asia and The Journal of Contemporary Asia, among others. He speaks Thai, Lao, Burmese, Spanish, in addition to English.

Registration

This is a hybrid event which will be held at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS).

Attending the Event In-person at ISEAS

To join the event in-person at ISEAS, please register via the ISEAS mobile app, available on iOS and Android via the Apple or Play store. Search “ISEAS” to find or scan this QR code.

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Seating capacity is limited. Do register early to avoid disappointment.

Attending the Event Virtually via Webinar

To join the event virtually at the specified date and time using your internet devices, please register here to receive your unique login link for the webinar via the zoom platform.

If you have questions for the speaker, please key in your questions via the Q&A, stating your name and affiliation. The moderator will field them to the speakers during the Q&A session.