This chapter examines why Thailand failed to consolidate democracy after World War II, instead transitioning into an oligarchic rule dominated by the Army. The People’s Party staged the 1932 coup, ending the absolute monarchy, and introduced a constitutional monarchy. However, persistent elite factionalism gave rise to three factions: the People’s Party Army faction, the People’s Party civilian faction, and the Royalists, which impeded the development of democracy, as the government had not established a party system. Although the Army allied with Japan during WWII, the People’s Party civilian faction and the Royalists led anti-Japanese resistance, allowing post-war governments to avoid harsh Allied penalties. On the contrary, US Cold War support bolstered the Army, effectively excluding the People’s Party civilian faction from active politics after the 1947 coup1947 Coup (Thailand). The 1951 coup entrenched oligarchic power by the Army against the Royalists. The 1957 coup effectively ended the role of the People’s Party, solidifying a political order in which the Army and monarchy became mutually reinforcing pillars. This chapter concludes that Thailand’s unique experience—the absence of colonization, the military alliance with Japan during the Pacific War, generous post-war treatment from the Allies, the deep-rooted domestic influence of the Army, and the US alignment during the Cold War period—produced a “Thai-style democracy” that is characterized by authoritarian paternalism and elite dominance.