Page 15 - kpiebook67013

System of Political Parties. The dynamic emergence of political parties in Thailand have been
a force in the development of Thai democracy and the country. Currently, almost all mainstream
citizens do not trust them, except older men – with about half trusting them, with some expressing

faith in the foundational institutions.

“I agreed with the (political party) system, but do not believe in politicians.”
- Male, 40+, Northeast Region

Advantages of Parties. Some participants respect the party system for bringing together
citizens with common ideals, providing access for people who want to participate in democracy,
working together, developing good policies, and their methods of selecting candidates.

Weaknesses of Parties. However, to leverage the strength of a party, parties require their
legislators to vote in a certain way, which can feel un-democratic. Political parties can shield their

legislators, stripping away the citizens’ ability to hold their elected representative accountable.
Citizens have seen the selfishness and unwillingness of parties to help other regions of the country

– again, characteristics that are counter to traditional Thai values.

SUMMARY TABLE OF THE RANGE OF COMMENTS ABOUT THE POLITICAL PARTY

SYSTEM IN THAILAND

Like about Parties Dislike about Parties

√ Gateway/access √ Too many √ Selfishness and
to participate in √ Party switching unwillingness to help
democracy √ Dishonesty (of some) other parts of the country

√ Bring together citizens √ System has divided √ Expensive to be
with common ideals the country competitive and lack of

√ Outreach to people √ Not keeping campaign financial controls allows
√ Sincere promises business interests of
√ Develop many good √ Too focused on getting senior leaders in some

policies and alternative votes from segments parties to have too much
ideas √ Rigid discipline (feels power
√ Methods of selecting undemocratic, counters √ Nepotism

candidates wishes of home supporters,
unaccountable)

FINDINGS 15