Signs and symptoms of Thai stagnation

That Thailand is faring poorly in the world is no longer in dispute.

- Thitinan Pongsudhirak

Not so long ago, many were in denial and adamant that Thailand could still bring a good game to engage abroad, that “Teflon” Thailand could bounce back. Now, just about all indicators are pointing south. The causes of this country’s decline and stagnation are not singular but multifaceted over a two-decade period. As Thailand’s situation is likely to worsen before hopes for a better future can arise, it is instructive to start counting the costs.

To be sure, not all Thais are keen and happy to speak bleakly about their country’s status and prospects. But doing so in a frank and forthright manner could serve as a reminder that we need to improve our approach. If we are stuck and sclerotic like this, there will be no good future for later generations.

Let's start with politics. It is an understatement to say that Thai politics is unstable and unwieldy. No fewer than six prime ministers have been suspended from office in the past 20 years, and most have been removed from office. While the Constitutional Court deliberates whether the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra should lead to her political demise, the only one to have survived is the army general who led the military coup in May 2014. True, the others are all connected to Thaksin Shinawatra either as nominees or direct family members, including his sister Yingluck Shinawatra and daughter, Ms Paetongtarn. But what's happened in Thai politics is more than meets the eye.