Your Friday Briefing: A Guide to the Thai Elections

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Thai voters go to the polls on Friday in an election that could set the country on the path to ending eight years of military rule.

The election will pit the pro-democracy opposition party against Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the general who seized power in a coup in 2014. Most opinion polls show Paetongtarn Shinawatra, whose father, Thaksin, was ousted in a separate coup in 2006, as the current president. candidate for prime minister.

To understand the various issues at play, we spoke to Sui-Lee Wee, our Southeast Asia bureau chief.

What will you be watching on Sunday?

This election is very consequential. We will probably see a rejection of the military in the polls. Although Thais are used to the army meddling in domestic politics, they have never been under an authoritarian government during their current eight-year term. Many voters are now looking for change, and opinion polls show they support opposition parties that promise a return to democracy.

The vote could also pave the way for the return of Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister who was ousted in a coup. No politician is more divisive in Thailand than Thaksin, and a party victory could set the stage for weeks or months of political tension and paralysis. In the end, this election will be a test of whether the military, which has long regarded Thaksin as its enemy, will respect the will of the people.

What does that mean for the royal family?

Depending on which party dominates, it could open up space for discussion about the future of the monarchy. Political parties are debating whether strict laws criminalizing criticism of the monarchy should be changed or extended.

If the military-backed party loses, the future could look less secure for the monarchy. The army is always seen as the guardian of these institutions, and without it at the head of the government, the country’s conservatives can be nervous.

Did the election have an impact on the region?

If the opposition party wins, I hope Thailand can revive the democracy it used to have. But if history is any guide, the military will not let go of its power easily. It is now difficult to predict whether the country can emerge from the cycle of coups and short-lived civilian governments.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan declared that the arrest of Imran Khan, the former prime minister, was illegal, and ordered his release from custody. The verdict was a victory for Khan, whose arrest sparked protests by his supporters across the country.

The court’s decision will heighten tensions, setting up a direct clash between the Supreme Court and Pakistan’s military, which is seen as behind Khan’s arrest during a court hearing this week in Islamabad.

Context: The court said that security forces should seek permission before making arrests on court premises. Khan could be arrested again under different circumstances.

Seven months after the US cut China’s access to Western technology and the skilled workers needed to build its most advanced semiconductors, China has stepped up its plans for an independent chip sector.

Chinese companies are building local supply chains, attracting billions in cash from Beijing and investors to cultivate alternatives at home.

related: Taiwan has a shortage of engineers, a shortage that could have an impact beyond the world-dominating microchip sector.

In 2021, during one of the longest North Atlantic storms on record, waves the size of a nine-story building crashed into the ocean. There was a small boat that steered straight into the storm.

Meet the Saildrone Explorer SD 1045, an unmanned vessel designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and waves so scientists can study superstorms that are becoming more frequent as climate change intensifies.

Living life: Heather Armstrong, who drew millions of people to Dooce’s blog, led the way in the age of online confessional writing by women. He died at 47.

Music can transport us, emotionally and physically. For example, Simon and Garfunkel’s “America” ​​always reminds me of my childhood drive.

Communities around the world have national anthems and songs that evoke the emotions of the place and the people. We want to create a playlist for our readers, with songs that make you think about your home.

What is a classic Bangkok song? What does Mumbai sound like to you? What do you burst out when you miss Japan, or when your plane lands in Shanghai after a long time? Tell us about it. We can add your song to our playlist and share your thoughts with our readers in this edition of our newsletter. – Amelia

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