Why have there been so many coups in Thailand and what has been the role of international interests in such military interventions? Which institution legitimizes the Thai military the most? This new book by&nbsp;Paul Chambers, a long-time observer of Thai military dynamics, addresses these and other compelling questions. Join us for the launch of &ldquo;Praetorian Kingdom: A History of Military Ascendancy in Thailand,&rdquo; (ISEAS Publishing, Aug. 2024). The book is a chronology of the Thai armed forces, from its founding as a permanent standing army in 1852 and service to the absolute monarchy, its martial dominance from about 1932 until 1973, reassertion of power after 1976 until 1988-92, backseat role in the 1992-2006 guided democracy and reinvigorated sway since 2006.&nbsp; By 2024, Thailand had experienced 14 successful military coups and almost as many failed putsch attempts. Despite the current civilian leadership under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the military remains pervasive enough to take over at any time, concludes Paul Chambers.&nbsp; This book is the first detailed examination in English of the history of a key Thai political actor responsible for multiple changes in government. It also explains how the military evolved to become such a powerful institution and delves into its relations with other governments, including its long and close but complex ties with the United States.&nbsp; The book will be published in August, but advance orders can be placed at the FCCT. Speakers: Paul Chambers, lecturer and special advisor on International Affairs, Center of ASEAN Community Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Naresuan University (Thailand). Among recent publications, he co-edited &quot;Khaki Capital: The Political Economy of the Military in Southeast Asia&quot; (NIAS, 2017). Commentators: Ukrist Pathmanand, research professor, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University; co-editor of &quot;Thai Politics in Translation: Monarchy, Democracy and the Supra Constitution&quot; (NIAS 2020). &nbsp; Supalak Ganjanakhundee, former editor of The Nation newspaper &nbsp;and current advisor to the House of Representatives sub-committee on military affairs for security, national development and author of &quot;A Soldier King: Monarchy and Military in the Thailand of Rama X&quot; (ISEAS Publishing 2022). Prachaya Nongnuch, lead content manager, politics, SPACEBAR, a news outlet. &nbsp; Moderator: Gwen Robinson, FCCT past president.

Praetorian kingdom: A history of military ascendancy in Thailand

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