ABSTRACT
The forces impinging on Thailand's modern politics have changed dramatically in recent years. A cursory glance at the political landscape reveals new centres of influence vying for increased access to power. While the military and civilian bureaucracies, and increasingly, political parties and parliament are powerful, these institutions have had to yield to new forces in the developing civil society. Foremost among them are the mass media. Indeed, it is probably true to suggest that never before have the media been so powerful. They may not have the wherewithal ‘to make or break governments’ as some have suggested (The Economist 24 February 1996), but media attention is increasingly important in determining things of significance in Thai politics.
