Before the 14th Coup Attempt

Abstract

The purpose of this scholarly paper is to provide recommendations for altering social and political systems in order to avert the 14th coup attempt in Thai political history. The concept of the coup d'état cycle in Thai politics, as proposed by Dr. Chai-anan Samutvanich, serves as the foundation for this study.

The analysis discovered that there have been 13 coups d'état in Thailand between the administrative revolution of 1932 to the present (2024). The coup leaders consistently offered explanations for overthrowing civilian governments, including their incapacity to address issues such as economic downturns, corruption, and political disputes that escalated into bloody altercations between individuals. Accordingly, in order to preserve national harmony and peace, the military institute had to get involved in politics and governance.

As a result, the author suggests ways to break the cycle of coups before the fourteenth coup d'état attempt. Politics and the military should be kept apart and reformed. Encouragement of citizens’ political engagement and the decentralization are two important goals. Every Thai person should be entitled to oppose and put an end to the coup, and educational institutions should implement a citizenship under democracy curriculum to make sure that future generations understand the value of preserving democracy.