Support for Thai government will be heavily strained

Subject

Thai government's clampdown on the opposition and struggle with various crises.

Significance

The Constitutional Court last week dissolved the opposition Future Forward Party for receiving an illegal loan from its leader, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. Future Forward had in recent months emerged as a vigorous opponent of the military-backed government. Army Chief Apirat Kongsompong and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha may be relieved to be rid of the party, but there is unlikely to be any let-up in opposition pressure as the administration grapples with crises relating to military corruption, water shortage and infectious disease.

Impacts

• The military will try to help the government manage an approaching drought and the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus.
• The central bank will step up currency management to keep Thai exports as competitive as possible amid the economic downturn.
• Erstwhile Future Forward MPs may form a new opposition party.