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“I was born in the days of growing democracy, but now, even though we’re still under a
democratic system, I don’t feel the same. This is the age that we have to develop Thailand
further.”

- Male, Thai Muslim

“He (Prime Minister] has said a lot, and now he hasn’t done anything… there is the matter

of corruption in the civil service sector. Regarding police reform, he didn’t do it. There
are many more cases that have set up a lot of committees. In the end, nothing happened,
everything melted away with the wind”

- Male, 18-39, Western Region

“I accept that the COVID situation has affected (people) all around the world. If we have smart
leaders, the problems will ease up. I notice many people are unemployed. The trades,
individual businesses, or office workers, too many are early retired. We notice that people

live desperately… I think Thais live desperately and have no future. The cause is from
the past several years past… We planted, it was flooded, the rice is derogatory… we have

desponded for 8 years...”
- Male, 40+, Northeast Region

Call to action? Almost all said felt it is very important to take action to advance democracy
in Thailand. At a minimum, citizens believe they must participate, starting with voting. However, any
discussion of aggressive pursuit of reforms is limited, as the obvious way forward for the country

is through an election to bring in a change in government.

“The right path of the government is considered (having) the election. The elections must

be returned to the people in order to be on the right path…”
- Female, 40+, Northern Region

12 Citizen Attitudes and Priorities
for Strengthening Democracy