Thailand: Court Ruling Delays Political Violence

The Constitutional Court of Thailand on July 13 dismissed five complaints lodged against the ruling Pheu Thai Party over the party's proposed constitutional amendments. The decision permits the ruling party to attempt to rewrite parts of the 2007 constitution, which was drafted by the military after the 2006 coup that overthrew then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

However, many perceive Pheu Thai's move as a veiled attempt to pave the way for the return of Thaksin, who has been living in self-imposed exile since 2008. As a result, the opposition Democrat Party has opposed the charter changes, which go against the interests of the military and the monarchy (although those two institutions have not spoken out against the amendments). The resultant political controversy provoked massive street protests in Bangkok in May and June.

The July 13 decision was surprising given the court's backing by the traditional political establishment, which generally supports the Democrats and sees Pheu Thai, as well as Thaksin's return, as a threat to its power. Indeed, the court dissolved the two parties that preceded Pheu Thai, both of which were also heavily influenced by Thaksin. Those rulings contributed to much of Thailand's political turmoil since 2006, and a decision to uphold the most recent complaints likely would have sparked fresh protests.

The court likely ruled in favor of Pheu Thai to avoid additional political turmoil, and the ruling exemplifies how circumspect each side has been in order to subdue the upheaval. While the ruling has delayed the threat of immediate violence, however, the larger political crisis remains — especially in light of the failing health of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.