Thailand's deja vu -- democracy loses favor to military rule

Once a model for rest of Asia, nation succumbs to years of political shenanigans

20190411 Thailand protest respect my vote

After years of cheering and jeering politicians who treated governing as an all-you-can-eat buffet, many Thai voters yearn for some stability.  © Reuters

TORU TAKAHASHI, Editor-in-Chief, Editorial Headquarters for Asia

BANGKOK -- It is no exaggeration to call last month's elections in Thailand cryptic. Although the election took place more than three weeks ago, and vote counting wrapped up in the following days, final results remain shrouded in mystery.

The election was seen as a potential milestone in Thailand's return to democracy after a military coup in May 2014 led to years of junta rule. The central issue was whether to allow that military government to survive.

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