Hi all, I wanted to send a brief update that I have a new ISEAS Perspective on the Bhumjaithai Party’s “technocratic shift” since Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul took power in September 2025.
In the piece, I discuss the origins for Bhumjaithai’s emphasis on technocratic appointments, which was a major rebrand for a party previously known as a locally-focused organization. I also explore the history of technocratic governance in Thailand and contrast how Bhumjaithai’s present arrangements are similar to or differ from previous cabinets in the past. And finally, I analyze whether the presence of key technocrats in the current Anutin cabinet can make a meaningful difference to the future trajectory of Thai development.
If this sounds interesting to you, the full piece is here!