By Joshua Simonidis

The military junta that seized power in Thailand in May has set up a number of institutions to reform Thai government and society as the generals deem necessary. These new institutions are often opaque, as are their connections to one another. All institutions flow from (and are overseen by) the junta’s National Council for Peace and Order. The king remains the head of state, but his role is mainly in approving appointments.

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha sits atop the new governing structure, and has placed himself into positions of authority throughout, including in the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which is a bad omen for accountability. Other institutions—the National Reform Council, Constitution Drafting Committee, National Legislative Assembly, and Cabinet—were appointed by Prayuth and operate within bounds he has set.

Source: Infographic prepared by CSIS Sumitro Chair researcher Joshua Simonidis.

Mr. Joshua Simonidis is a researcher with the Sumitro Chair for Southeast Asia Studies at CSIS.