Thailand is an exotic destination for travelers and a big Southeast Asian economy, but it has an ugly side. Freedoms there are under siege from a heavy-handed military government that intends to rule indefinitely.
While Thailand has a shaky political history, the country ramped up its commitment to free markets and free elections in the 1990s, a development that was good for the country and the rise of democracy in Asia.
These days Thailand is defying that model. The Thai military seized power in 2014 for the second time in a decade, damaging the country's chances of securing a stable, representative government. Rather than rebooting and trying again for democracy, Thailand's army seems determined to keep order by keeping power.
This is a mistake with far-reaching consequences. The instability is messing up Thailand's export-driven economy because investors are leery of putting money in a country that looks untrustworthy. For U.S. interests there is a larger concern: whether undemocratic Thailand might drift into China's orbit.
The government will put a constitution to a vote in August, but the gesture looks bogus. A few days ago Thailand implemented a draconian law outlawing any aggressive campaigning--for or against--the constitution. Not surprisingly, the government quickly filed charges against a group of people who criticized the draft constitution, saying they used "foul and strong language" on Facebook. Those arrested face up to 10 years in prison.
So much for encouraging debate about the new constitution, or for respecting the public's role in guiding Thailand's future. Any Thais not getting this message risk a chilling punishment: detention in a government camp.
There was plenty imperfect with Thailand's political system before the army took charge. Former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, a divisive billionaire businessman, was ousted in a 2006 coup and fled the country. His best hope for a return came when democracy was restored and his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was elected prime minister. But she was kicked out of office before the army took over in 2014.
The most important figure in Thailand is neither a political leader nor a general. It's the country's revered but ailing monarch, 88-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has sat on the throne since 1946. The military likely wants to be in control when the king dies to protect its future role. That complicates Thailand's path back to democracy.
Editorial on 05/10/2016