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Thailand?s response to the 1997 economic crisis was multi-faceted, and premised on accepting that domestic weaknesses were the main cause of Thailand?s predicament. International aspects were not completely ignored, but Thai leaders did not see external factors as the primary cause, nor did they wish to risk losing international support by blaming foreigners. They worked closely with the IMF, and also solicited broader regional and international support. Above all, they sought a major overhaul of domestic economic, political, and related institutions. The 1997 constitution and supporting legislation made Thailand a more open and democratic society, weakening the hold of money politics and of self-serving links between business and politics. Reforms still have some way to go, and the election of controversial Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has slowed this momentum, but a determined civil society continues to drive the process forward.