Following the Thai political crisis that led to two military coups in 2006 and 2014, overthrowing the elected governments of Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra respectively, it became evident that the Thai middle class and civil society organizations were not performing as agents of change. Instead they became defenders of the old power while protecting their political interests.
Claiming to safeguard democracy, members of the Bangkok-based middle class staged protests against these governments, which were supposedly tainted by self-interested politicians like Thaksin and Yingluck. In reality, the fear of the Shinawatras and their successful populism designed to empower the rural residents answered why the middle class and civil society rejected their kind of democracy.
Prior to the passing of Thailand's much-revered king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, the looming royal succession and his deteriorating health raised great concern among members of the middle class. They cast their suspicion over elected governments because, without Bhumibol, their political status and economic benefits could be seriously challenged. It is known that in Thailand, the monarchy has provided a kind of security for the middle class.
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