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Coronavirus Has Thailand Putting out Multiple Fires at Once

VOA News

   The novel coronavirus has led to a diverse array of crises for
   Thailand. Paramount are the nation's healthcare and economy. But the
   pandemic has also impacted Thailand politics, with Prime Minister
   Prayuth Chan-ocha delaying a necessary cabinet reshuffle and extending
   a state of emergency.

   Analysts say the postponed reshuffle has placed the government in
   political limbo. The military, which came to power in a 2014 putsch,
   governs Thailand with a coalition of parties. One of them, the Palang
   Pracharath Party, saw 18 members resign last week after a schism over
   how Thailand is responding to Covid-19. The resignations force an
   election within the party, which in turn could change which party
   members are part of the executive cabinet.

   Despite the political uncertainty, Prayuth, a military general, has a
   tighter grip on power. He has extended an emergency decree until June
   30, which the state has invoked to arrest protesters, harass
   journalists and whistleblowers reporting unfavorable information, and
   intimidate health workers who complain of shortages of much need
   medical supplies. The government says the measures are necessary to
   fight the virus.

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