Asia Report #32 | May 2015

Thailand’s socioeconomic development since the 1980s has changed the political demography of Thailand, leading to the rise of a new class that demands more political participation. Yet, the existing political system is resisting this change. What does this clash between society and political system indicate for potential change in Thailand? Is it a setback or a progress for the country’s democracy? These questions were addressed at the 19th Annual Gaston Sigur Memorial Lecture on “Democratization in Asia and the Intellectuals: Lessons from Thailand’s Crisis,” by Thongchai Winichakul, Professor of history at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Read the full report for “Democratization in Asia: Lessons from Thailand’s Crisis” (PDF)