Thailand under Srettha and Paetongtarn: Party Politics, Economic Growth, and Geopolitical Rivalry

Thailand under Srettha and Paetongtarn: Party Politics, Economic Growth, and Geopolitical Rivalry

The 2023 Thai general election marked a pivotal moment in the country’spolitical and economic landscape. Despite the progressive Move Forward Party(MFP) winning the largest number of seats in parliament, it was unable to securethe prime ministership due to resistance from the senate. This led to the eventualappointment of Srettha Thavisin, followed by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, from thePheu Thai Party, formally ending nine years of military-led governance tocivilian leadership. This paper examines the post-election dynamics under theSrettha and Paetongtarn governments in three critical areas: party politics,economic development, and foreign relations. It argues that while the 2023 general election marked the end of military rule and raised hopes for democraticrenewal and policy innovation, entrenched establishment power and theintensifying geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China, continuesto hinder meaningful transformation in Thailand’s political, economic, andforeign policy arenas. This study highlights the complexities of the post-2023election landscape and the enduring influence of entrenched political structureson Thailand’s path to reform and development.