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Hoping for good governance. Some community members explained that they would like to
see the government succeed, as it also helps them succeed; it has been hard for them to watch
some of the problems in the country, such as the challenges created by legalizing marijuana without

new regulations in place.

OK with Political Parties. Unlike mainstream communities, more members of the community
trust the political party system, believing the party’ problems stemmed from a small number of
people, but the system does a good job of developing policies. This community trusts the media

and CSOs, too.

Average. The community rated the government’s efforts to protect ethnic minority groups

from discrimination as neither good nor bad or slightly poorer.

Economic Concerns, Decentralization. Similar to focus group discussions with

regular Thais, Ethnic Minority respondents would like the government to focus on economic
issues, both in development and creating jobs as well as controlling costs and extending welfare

to vulnerable groups. There was notable mention of education, especially in creating opportunity, as
well as efforts to control drug trafficking. Their top priorities are to reduce corruption and increase
local governance including their rights to run for office.

3.5.4 Thai Muslims

Democracy in wrong direction. There are concerns among Thai Muslims with the
democracy challenges in Thailand. There was a consistent concern that democracy in Thailand has

been headed in the wrong direction, and the government was not advancing democratic ideals.
Some noted with concern the rise in drugs, including the newly legalized marijuana.

Trust! Some Thai Muslims participants said they trust their elected representatives, the party
system, electoral commission (along with many criticisms or concerns, especially with individuals
but not insttutions) and CSOs, but are not inclined to trust the media.

Peaceful expectations. After efforts to reduce conflicts between the Thai Muslim communities

and Thailand, some feel their expectations are to comply, be peaceful and model citizens.

Good treatment. They feel they are being treated equally and feel the government has been

average or better in protecting them from discrimination.

28 Citizen Attitudes and Priorities
for Strengthening Democracy