Country Profile
From The Report: Thailand 2017
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Following the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October 2016, a major chapter in the history and politics of this ancient kingdom closed and another opened.The year ahead looks to be one of transition, as the new king takes over and a new constitution is implemented. Efforts for national reconciliation look set to continue, although to what degree they will include all segments of Thai society remains unclear. The role of the king may also be expanded, while the military seems likely to continue to exercise a powerful presence within any new constitutional framework. The National Council for Peace and Order promises stability, a quality that many Thais may continue to wish for as the nation moves into the period of change ahead. This chapter contains interviews with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha; and Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Strength to strength: Thailand is rich in history and diversity, with a sustainable growth forecast for the year ahead
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Located at the heart of South-east Asia, the Kingdom of Thailand covers a total area of 513,120 sq km, making it the 50th largest nation in the world by area. It is bound geographically by the nations of Cambodia to the east, Laos to the north-east, Malaysia to the south and Myanmar to the west. Major natural boundaries include the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, which straddle the Kra Isthmus to the west and east, respectively. Thailand’s largest city is Bangkok, which has served…

Interview

A stable foundation: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, on attracting investment and expanding prosperity
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Interview: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha What is the government doing to show investors that the country is a politically stable and attractive investment destination? PRIME MINISTER PRAYUT CHAN-O-CHA: The government has worked to maintain peace, order and stability throughout the country, and to bring an organised effort to the national administration, following the steps outlined in the country’s roadmap. For the past two years, the government has followed this roadmap and is currently in…

Overview

Promising path: Thailand focuses on social inclusion as it prepares for new elections
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Following the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October 2016, a major chapter in the history and politics of this ancient kingdom closed and another opened. With His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun now on the throne, the way ahead promises to be one of further development, with an active monarch as head of state. Meanwhile, the government of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) continues to rule, led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. The…

Interview

Forging partnerships: Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the progress and future of Thailand’s international presence
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Interview: Don Pramudwinai How has Thailand transitioned from a net aid recipient to an international aid donor? DON PRAMUDWINAI: Since 2003 the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) – under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – has played an active role in the nation’s developmental cooperation efforts. TICA initiatives include fellowship and scholarship programmes, study visits, volunteer programmes and various tailor-made development projects. Underpinning Thailand’s own growth…

Analysis

Ensuring stability: Thailand is ready to move forward following the constitutional referendum of 2016
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Constitutional reform is not uncommon in Thailand, in fact, the country’s constitution has been rewritten 20 times since absolute monarchy was abolished in 1932, usually following coups or protests ousting military-backed governments. There have been 12 successful coups in the country since 1932. The country’s most recent constitutional reforms began in mid-2014. Thailand’s military-backed National Council for Peace and Order took power following the May 2014 coup, unseating the government…