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Thailand
Thaksin Preparing to Apply for Royal Pardon, Lawyer Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The former leader returned to Thailand in a blaze of publicity last week after more than 15 years in self-exile.
Why Thailand Should Mediate the Crisis in Myanmar
By Brian Wong and Tidarat Yingcharoen
The case for proactive, multilateral, pro-peace diplomacy.
Thailand’s New Prime Minister: The Parliamentary Vote and the Aftermath
By Tita Sanglee
Srettha Thavisin's confirmation as the country's PM was not a surprise, but the August 22 vote in Parliament offered some signs of where Thai politics might be heading.
This Week in Asia: August 24, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.
What the ‘Korean Wave’ Can Teach Thailand About Soft Power
By Tim Hildebrandt
The country should draw inspiration from South Korea’s resounding orchestration of cultural ascendancy over the past two decades.
Real Estate Tycoon Srettha Thavisin Secures Votes to Become Thailand’s Next Prime Minister
By Jintamas Saksornchai
The vote came shortly after former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, the spiritual leader of Srettha's Pheu Thai Party, returned to Thailand after 15 years in self-exile.
Former Thai PM Thaksin Returns From Self-exile as PM Vote Looms
By Sebastian Strangio
The fugitive leader's return reflects the dramatic realignment that has taken place in Thai politics since the general election in May.
Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party Joins With Former Rival to Form Government
By Sebastian Strangio
The marriage of convenience between Pheu Thai and the United Thai Nation Party reflects the stunning political realignment that has occurred since May's general election.
Changing Thailand: New Ideology, Old Politics
By Watcharin Rattanataymee
Despite the PM vote setback, the success of the Move Forward Party during the election has created a new dynamic in Thai politics – one that is likely to persist.
Thailand’s Constitutional Court Rejects Move Forward Petition Challenging Parliamentary Vote
By Sebastian Strangio
The court's decision has paved the way for Parliament to convene on August 22 to select a prime minister.
Thailand’s Move Forward Party Won’t Back Pheu Thai’s PM Bid
By Sebastian Strangio
The decision will make the party more reliant on the support of the military-backed parties whose dominance it has long opposed.
Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party Welcomes New Parties Into Potential Governing Coalition
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite the new recruits, the party faces some difficult choices in reaching the majority that it needs in the House of Representatives.