Country Profile

Following the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October 2016, a major chapter in the history and politics of this ancient kingdom closed and another opened.The year ahead looks to be one of transition, as the new king takes over and a new constitution is implemented. Efforts for national reconciliation look set to continue, although to what degree they will include all segments of Thai society remains unclear. The role of the king may also be expanded, while the military seems likely to continue to exercise a powerful presence within any new constitutional framework. The National Council for Peace and Order promises stability, a quality that many Thais may continue to wish for as the nation moves into the period of change ahead. This chapter contains interviews with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha; and Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs.