The Thai military has been the dominant security institution throughout Thailand´s history. The armed forces are in a power partnership with the king and play a major political role. Mostly, however, they are not accountable to civilian authorities. International efforts for a security sector reform have yet remained without result. Paul Chambers scrutinizes the causes and comes to the conclusion that without more democracy no security sector reform will succeed. Only Thailand itself could renew efforts at a security sector reform and to institutionalize civilian control. The only way open to international actors is to provide Thailand with help and advice.