Thailand 2022: The "post-pandemic" era

In 2022, Thailand entered a period labelled by state agents as "post-pandemic". Citizens resumed their lives as normal, but discontents for a stagnant political environment and a slow economic recovery intensified. In particular, civil society expressed frustration toward the Constitutional Court for allowing PM Prayuth Chan-ocha to remain in office despite the alleged legal expiry of his mandate. The Prayuth Government’s continued cordiality to China and the Burmese junta also generated criticism. As pandemic- related restrictions were lifted, and the country re-opened to international tourists, the economy improved slightly. Global economic trends, aggravated by the Government’s withdrawal of the relief packages of the previous year, however, affected less privileged constituencies. Even the generally conservative and financially stable Bangkok residents elected a City Governor deemed progressive, suggesting new political sensitivities. The waning popularity of the Prayuth Administration is significant as the kingdom prepares for a general election in 2023.