Across the region, the disaster has been compounded by the near-collapse of health care systems, lack of access to vaccines and widespread losses of jobs and incomes.
Thailand ’s combustible politics are ramping up on the streets, online, and in parliament, piling pressure on Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha as he struggles to manage the pandemic as well as a once-in-a-generation economic wipeout. But experts warn this pro-democracy momentum could force the hand of the former army chief, who is more inclined towards control than compromise. Some fear.