Thailand hit by a confluence of crises

Thailand is currently facing multiple crises of unprecedented proportions in the highest corridors of power that will pose adversity for the economy and political stability next year and beyond.

- Thitinan Pongsudhirak

The confluence of these crises points to a lack of a moral backstop in society and a broader predicament of regime legitimacy. Resolving and mitigating these crises is existential and urgent. If they are left to rot further, Thailand will see worsening decay and stagnation with a dim and diminished future.

It has reached a point in this country that just about everywhere you look, there is corruption and graft lurking in the corners and behind the scenes. The ongoing scam networks are the most prominent among them.

Cybercrime and online scam networks in mainland Southeast Asia have been in the news for months. The governments of South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, among others, have recently cracked down hard on the intricate network of individuals and outfits peddling and exploiting these transnational crimes and money-laundering activities. But the Bhumjaithai-led minority government under Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has appeared decidedly slow in joining the global prosecution.