Emerging Patterns of Political Leadership in Thailand

Political stability in Thailand is inextricably linked to the issue of political legitimacy. The recent political upheavals, specifically the brutal repression of pro-democracy protestors, were the consequence of a desperate attempt by the military to use force to maintain its legitimacy not only to govern the country but also to intervene in the country's political system. During the Cold War era, the military justified its intervention by invoking the spectre of the communist threat to Thai national security. With the end of the Cold War, such a justification is no longer credible. This has allowed civilian politicians, particularly those favouring Western-style liberal democracy, to regain their power and influence. However, it is by no means certain that the era of military intervention in politics is over. The military, with the support of some civilian politicians, is trying to regain its hegemonic position but this is being resisted by pro-democracy forces. What seems certain is that in the coming years the contention between liberal and conservative forces will be very intense and this could well affect Thailand's national security