The BGA Thailand Team led by Managing Director Teerasak Siripant, wrote an update to clients on the recent dissolution of the Thai Parliament and upcoming elections in the country.

Context

  • Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha after weeks of speculation announced the dissolution of the House of Representatives on March 20. Thailand’s Election Commission announced this week that the elections would be set for May 14, with early voting taking place a week earlier on May 7.

Significance

  • Prayut dissolved the House early to facilitate party-switching by members of Parliament (MPs), especially those he is targeting to bring into his party. After Prayut announced he was joining the United Thai Party, it was expected that he would delay the House dissolution until the last possible day to give his new party as much time as possible to prepare.
  • On March 16 the Election Commission announced the electoral boundaries of the 400 constituencies in 77 provinces across the country. This means all election laws are now in place, but they face criticisms from political parties, some of which have filed petitions on electoral mapping with the Administrative Court.

Implications

  • BGA recommends that businesses monitor additional political signposts to better understand the anticipated twists-and-turns, including party member line-ups, selection of prime ministerial candidates, political parties’ electoral performance and prospects in the lead up to election day.
  • There are no immediate significant business implications, though companies should monitor promises and developments for the post-election period. Thai politics is now officially in full election mode, which will limit engagement opportunities until Thailand’s political future is resolved.

BGA will continue to keep you updated on developments in Thailand as they occur. If you have any comments or questions, please contact BGA Thailand Managing Director Teerasak Siripant at tsiripant@bowergroupasia.com.

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Managing Director

Art is an intuitive leader with a strong set of relationships with Thailand’s government, business, media and civil society leaders. His network spans a diverse set of stakeholders, from farmers in rural Thailand to the top echelons of Thailand’s political leadership. Prior to joining BGA, Art spent a decade serving as the chief political advisor to the Australian ambassador to Thailand. In this role, he had a front row seat to the most significant political and economic developments in Thailand. Earlier, he served as an army intelligence officer in the Royal Thai Armed Forces. Art has played a central role ... Read More