The Dynamics of the Thai Government in 2025: The Constitutional Court, Party Alliances, and Political Power Consolidation.

Abstract

This article analyzes the dynamics of the Thai government in 2025 under the 2017 Constitution, focusing on the roles of the Constitutional Court, independent agencies, and coalition politics among political parties. It finds that coalition governments operate under structural constraints defined by institutional checks and balances, requiring policy management to adapt to pressures from the judiciary, civil society, and coalition partners. Policy priorities are often guided by a logic of survival rather than institutional or policy-driven transformation. The article emphasizes that the Constitutional Court functions as a political actor, with governmental decision-making shaped by judicial risk and the balance of power within coalition arrangements. Policy implementation is largely characterized by negotiation and compromise to maintain short-term stability rather than pursuing substantive public benefits. Democratic impacts manifest in stagnation of democratic development, erosion of public trust, and democratic fatigue, as citizens perceive limited efficacy of political participation in producing meaningful policy outcomes. The key lesson is that while coalition governments can preserve short-term stability, they fail to generate structural legitimacy. Strengthening institutional checks and balances, promoting transparency, and enhancing citizen participation are essential for building a stable and sustainable democratic system in Thailand.