MONARCHY
'Royalist democracy' seen as threat
- Published: 13/02/2012 at 08:05 AM
- Newspaper section: News
A royalist democracy _ a regime whereby elite groups exploit the monarchy for their political legitimacy _ poses a real danger to the country, US-based Thai scholar Thongchai Winichakul says.
Tensions between this group and pro-democracy political forces have caused the country's political crisis, Mr Thongchai said in a 90-minute talk, "The Socio-Political System which Resists Change Is a Real Danger" in Bangkok on Saturday.
Royalist democracy took root as a result of fear of communism during the Indochina War in 1970s, followed by the dilution of military prowess after Black May in 1992.
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About the author
- Writer: Achara Ashayagachat
- Position: Reporter
