Part 8/12:
Returning to Elections: The Illusion of Democratic Progress
In 2019, amid ongoing protests and societal unrest, Thailand held its first election since the 2014 coup. While it marked a return to electoral politics, the process was heavily skewed in favor of military-backed parties. The Palang Pracharath Party, aligned with the military, secured the most seats, but not an outright majority. The opposition coalition, including the progressive Future Forward Party, gained ground but was still prevented from wielding decisive power due to systemic barriers.