How Thailand’s Surprise Election Result Sparked a Delicate Transition

Asia Matters Podcast

The triumph of the Move Forward party in Thailand’s election has highlighted young voters’ desire for change and reform. But with the party’s popular leader, Pita Limjaroenrat scrambling to form a government and facing political roadblocks, questions are mounting over what may happen next in the Southeast Asian nation. What’s the likelihood of a military intervention? Can the next government reform laws that prohibit criticism of the monarchy? Could there be a coup?
Andrew Peaple discusses the risks and scenarios with Pongkwan Sawasdipakdi, an adjunct fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Rattaphol Onsanit, Thai politics reporter at Voice of America. After this podcast was recorded, the country’s Election Commission said that it would investigate whether Pita Limjaroenrat had violated rules over eligibility.