Seminar
The Monarchy in Thailand’s Post-Bhumibol Era
Dr. Pavin Chachavalpongpun
Associate Professor
Centre for Southeast Asian Studies
Kyoto University
Japan
Date:
19 June 2013 (Wednesday)
Time:
4 pm – 5:30 pm
Venue:
B5-307, AC1, City University of Hong Kong
Abstract
The military staged a coup in 2006 overthrowing the elected government of Thaksin Shinawatra.
This was the 18th coup since Thailand abolished the absolute monarchy in 1932. The coup, that
was meant to protect the political interests of the military and to safeguard the royal prerogatives,
gave birth to an anti-establishment movement whose members identify themselves as red shirts.
That coup, initially staged to solidify the monarchy’s position in politics, also stirred up an antimonarchy reaction among many Thais. They became aware of the extent to which the monarchy
had long been actively involved in politics, with the backing of the army, despite its supposedly
limited role under the constitution. Based on the above context, the monarchy has played a large
part in instigating and deepening the political conflict which could continue under the new reign
of Vajiralongkorn, the current Crown Prince. The speaker will discuss Thailand’s political
developments since the military coup of 2006 with a special emphasis on the role of the monarchy
in the current crisis and in Thailand’s post-Bhumibol era.
Short Bio
Pavin Chachavalpongpun is associate professor at the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies,
Kyoto University, Japan. Earning his PhD from the School of Oriental and African Studies, Pavin
is the author of two books: A Plastic Nation: The Curse of Thainess in Thai Burmese Relations
and Reinventing Thailand: Thaksin and His Foreign Policy. He is also the editor of the upcoming
book, ‘Good Coup’ Gone Bad: Thailand’s Political Developments since Thaksin’s Downfall.
All are welcome.
Language: English
For enquiries, please contact Irene Chan at 3442-6330 or email [email protected]