When will democracy be restored in Thailand?
Senior members of former ruling party are accused of violating a ban on political activities and could go to jail.
It has been four years since the ruling Pheu Thai party was removed from power in Thailand in a military coup. But the crackdown on its members continues, with a number of them now charged for breaking a ban on political activity.
They streamed a news conference live on Facebook, criticising the country’s rulers, and campaigned for the military government to hold a general election.
The government now says the country will go to the polls in February. But what hope is there for democracy in Thailand?
Presenter: Elizabeth Puranam
Guests:
Sean Boonpracong – former national security adviser to deposed PM Yingluck Shinawatra
Michael Montesano – coordinator of Thailand Studies Programme at Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore
David Streckfuss – historian and author of Truth on Trial in Thailand: Defamation, Treason, and Lese-Majeste