Restoring Democracy in Thailand: Election Analysis

National elections in Thailand on May 14 were a triumph for reformist, pro-democracy forces. The progressive Move Forward Party shattered expectations, winning almost a clean sweep of Bangkok constituencies and emerging as the strongest party with the first right to try to form government. Military-linked parties suffered a demoralising loss. But the battle is not over: Thailand's constitution gives 250 unelected senators - handpicked by military leaders - a potentially decisive say in who will be the next prime minister.
Will the choice of the people be respected by an entrenched elite that still has the power to determine the future government? Can democracy be restored to Thailand after almost a decade of rule by serving or retired generals? What do the elections tell us about the state of politics in Thailand today and possible future trends? And as the strongest party after the elections, can the Move Forward form government and implement a big agenda that includes reforming a controversial royal defamation law and monopolistic protections for big conglomerates?
Join Asialink online with former Australian ambassador Paul Robilliard, Head of the Department of Government at Chulalongkorn University Assoc. Prof. Siripan Nogsuan Sawasdee, and lecturer in comparative politics at the University of Sydney, Dr. Aim Sinpeng, moderated by Thomas Parks, Thailand country representative of the Asia Foundation.