Publications

The 2025 Chiang Mai Mayoral Election

Case Studies on Candidates, Campaigning, and Changes in Thailand’s Local Elections and Decentralisation

One key aspect of political decentralisation in Thailand is through local elections. Municipal elections, particularly at the level of city municipalities, are significant and highly competitive. Chiang Mai Municipality holds historical significance as it was the first city municipality in Thailand, established in 1935. Regarding budget, the projected revenue for Chiang Mai Municipality from fiscal years 2023 to 2025 is 1.6 billion, 1.8 billion, and 1.9 billion Baht, respectively. When compared to the provincial budget, in fiscal year 2023, Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organisation had a total revenue of 394 million baht, which is approximately four times less than that of Chiang Mai Municipality (Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organisation, 2022). Given this budgetary significance of Chiang Mai Municipality and the involvement of national politics in local elections, this research implemented by research team at the Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration of Chiang Mai University with the support of KAS seeks to examine candidate selection processes, election campaigns, political family influence in Chiang Mai, and voter decision-making factors in the 2025 Chiang Mai mayoral election. This study aims to contribute to the broader understanding of decentralisation in Thailand with Chiang Mai as a case study.

Change of Government in Thailand

New Elections in Spring

Thailand has a new government – at least an interim one: On September 5th, 2025, the Thai parliament elected Anutin Charnvirakul from the conservative Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) as the new Prime Minister. The new cabinet was appointed on September 19. Charnvirakul succeeds Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), who – like her predecessor Stretta Thavisin – was removed from office by Thailand’s Constitutional Court after only one year in power. This makes him the third head of government since the last regular parliamentary elections in May 2023. The next change is already on the horizon: His election was tied to the condition that new elections and a referendum on constitutional reform must be initiated within four months. That means the clock is ticking until January 2026. What are the reasons behind these events? How will they affect the future government and the Thai party landscape? And most importantly: What’s next for this Southeast Asian country marked by political instability and uncertainty?

Lesson and A New Direction from the 2025 PAO Elections

Thailand's Local Administration and Decentralisation

Although the elections for Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) Presidents and Councillors across the country took place last February, they were accompanied by observations and debates on various issues, such as holding the election on a Saturday, ensuring citizens had adequate access to vote, the campaign strategies as a power test between opposition and government parties, and the level of public participation—particularly among youth and the younger generation.

Developing Institutionalised Deliberation for Inclusive Social Protection Systems

Research on Thailand's Social Protection Policy Implementation and Development

The social protection system is a crucial mechanism that promotes equality, reduces poverty, and manages people's risks to ensure inclusive national development. In today's era of increasing inequality, an aging population, and diverse vulnerabilities, comprehensive social protection has become a fundamental pillar in promoting justice and social cohesion. The concept of comprehensive social protection is based on the principle that everyone, regardless of their economic and social status, should have access to mechanisms that help maintain their standard of living and livelihood. This inclusivity is particularly important for marginalised and vulnerable groups who often face structural barriers that hinder their access to assistance.

SDGs | The Depth of Field

Challenges of the Implementation of SDGs in Thailand and Southeast Asia

This book is a curated collection of photo-essays reflecting on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Thailand and Southeast Asia, highlighting both achievements and shortcomings. Through compelling visuals and stories, it invites readers to reflect on the progress made, consider the path ahead, question the Goals themselves at times, and ultimately commit to change.

PMQA 4.0 Toolkit

Under the Cooperation Project "Public Sector Management with Public Participation in Open Government in Thailand"

This eBook contains the best practices and guidelines for the further development of Thai public sector to better respond to citizens' needs with open and innovative principles.

Models and Directions for Governor Elections in a Transitional Era – 2nd Edition

This publication explores five alternative models for governor elections and presents key feedback gathered from public discussions on the first edition. The findings are based on research led by PLAF in 2023 and 2024 in 4 provinces.

Isra News Articles July-December 2024

Read Thai investigative reporting by Isra News Agency published between July and December 2024

Revisiting Isra News coverage between July and December 2024 on good governance, the rule of law, public policy, and environmental issues. All articles are in Thai, with English translations available for some articles.

Referendum 2024 and the Way to Constitutional Amendment

Seminar proceeding on key insights, debates, and challenges surrounding different proposals to amend the Referendum Act and their possible impacts

The public seminar on 14 June 2024, "Referendum 2024 and the Way to Constitutional Amendment," culminates in this proceeding. This bilingual publication summarizes expert insights from the keynote speaker and panelists on the debates surrounding the proposals to amend the Referendum Act, and how this amendment could influence the constitutional amendment efforts. The paper also provides an executive summary and a synthesis of policy recommendations that emerged during the event. The seminar was co-organized by the Institute of Democratization Studies and King Prajadhipok's Institute, and received support from KAS Thailand.

Isra News Articles March-June 2024

Read Thai investigative reporting by Isra News Agency published between March and June 2024.

With the support of KAS Thailand, Isra News Agency brought to you the latest development on the issues of good governance, the rule of law, public policies, and environmental issues in Thailand between March and June 2024. All articles are in Thai with an English version of one article available.