ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute organised the two-day forum – Thailand Forum 2015: Society in Transition from 27 to 28 July 2015.
ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute organised the two-day forum – Thailand Forum 2015: Society in Transition from 27 to 28 July 2015.
Transitions in society are both unavoidable and unpredictable. The 2014 coup and its promise of elections are one sign of political transition. The changing socio-economic profile of the North and Northeast suggests a transition in power relations between core and periphery and the approach of the end of the long reign of King Bhumibol makes another sort of transition inevitable. Transitions are dynamic and by their very nature worrisome for the status quo and establishment, for they suggest not only a new order but also possible resistance to the change that they bring.
The two-day forum focused on the developments in Thai politics, society, culture and the economy and their medium- and long-term implications; highlighted the current challenges and prospects in Thailand; and alerted stakeholders and interested parties to issues and areas likely to merit attention in the years ahead.
The two-day forum focused on the developments in Thai politics, society, culture and the economy and their medium- and long-term implications; highlighted the current challenges and prospects in Thailand; and alerted stakeholders and interested parties to issues and areas likely to merit attention in the years ahead.
13 papers were presented on issues ranging from the monarchy, military, electoral violence, regionalism, the media, religion and demographics. Selected papers from this Forum will appear in an edited volume published by ISEAS and is intended to offer a critical perspective on Thailand.
The Forum was attended by over 90 participants, which included members of academia, the business and finance community, diplomatic community, policymakers, civil servants and those interested in the political and socio-economic developments of Thailand.
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