The Government has responded by arresting critics but also by holding highly publicized trials of corrupt officials. In Malaysia the dismissal and arrest last fall of the former Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, ignited a huge and unexpected outpouring of support for him, suggesting broad discontent with the country's suppression of civil liberties. Most dramatic was the uprising in Indonesia last year, fueled by both economic and political grievances, that ousted the longtime strongman, President Suharto, and immediately replaced him with a thriving, chaotic democracy. In Thailand a long, slow struggle for democratic reforms took a big step forward in 1997 with the passage of a new Constitution that is a blueprint for openness and human rights, a step brought to the fore in part by the economic decline. It is possible to survey Thai society and say that very little has changed.
Politicians still buy their votes and still represent wealthy and powerful families and interests.
Corruption still governs life, from law enforcement to the justice system to Government contracts. Wealth and power remain for the most part in the hands of a small elite. Its procurement activities and secret funds are under scrutiny. Its control of radio and television is being challenged. Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai took the job of Defense Minister for himself, only the second civilian ever to hold the job.