Demystifying the colour politics of Thailand

This seminar, co-organized with the Royal Embassy of Thailand, welcomes Prof. Dr. Borwornsak Uwanno, Secretary General of King Prajadhipok's Institute and expert on public law, and Prof. Dr. Surchit Bunbongkarn, President of Thailand's Political Development Council and Professor Emeritus at Chulalongkarn University. It will be presided by Françoise Nicolas, Economist at the Ifri.

The seminar will be held in English.

In recent years, Thailand has crossed a serious zone of political turbulence marked by persistent opposition between the supporters of the former, deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (red shirts), and those opposing him (yellow shirts). Such a situation poses a daunting challenge to the government of the current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, itself being rejected by the red shirts. Within this context, fears about the health of King Bhumibol only help to feed uncertainty about the political stability of the country and its future.

The objective of this meeting with two distinguished specialists, both observers and actors of Thailand's political life, is to generate a better understanding of the current political situation in Thailand and of its prospects.