The Impact of The 2017 Constitution on Thai Politics After The NCPO Thailand's Hybrid Regime following Constitutional Design under NCPO Influence

Abstract

“What effect will the 2017 Constitution, which was designed under the domination of the NCPO military government, have on Thai politics after the transition to elections?” This article answers the above question by explaining constitutional politics of the political transition to a hybrid regime under the impact of the 2017 Constitution. The 2017 Constitution's drafting process reflect the politics of argument presentation. At the same time, constitutional mechanisms and organizations not only limit the parliamentary system but also have an impact on the democratic backsliding of hybrid regimes. However, constitutional mechanisms are an impediment to the General Prayuth government, which prolongated power following the 2019 election, because of losing legitimacy in governance, and the constitution has become a contentious ground that allows opposition parties to grow within the constraints until they can form alliances with people calling for democracy. As a result, the opposition eventually won the 2023 elections, although the hybrid regime's democratic backsliding continues. However, we must continue to carefully observe the impact of the NCPO legacy's the 2017 Constitution, which continues to affect Thai politics.