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Foreword

This report seeks to assist the new government ministries, relevant independent organizations,
parliament, political parties and civil society organizations as they determine their policy priorities
and form stances on how to further the democratic process in Thailand. The report presents

findings and recommendations stemming from public opinion research, which looked at how
citizens perceive the status of democracy in the country and their attitudes toward the government,

election commission, political parties, parliament, and elected representatives.

Whether these citizen perceptions are positive or negative, accurate or inaccurate, they

still hold value because they provide insights on areas relevant institutions need to focus on to
further development of democratic processes in Thailand. Parliamentarians can learn more about

the public’s expectations of their elected representatives. Political parties can see what citizens
like and dislike about political parties in Thailand. Although some of these perceptions concern the
institutions before the May 2023 elections, they may also benefit the newly established institutions

that have started afresh and will work to address the grievances and concerns of Thai citizens.
Finally, the new government and parliamentarians might be interested to hear about the ten priority
issues that citizens believe the newly elected institutions should focus on.

The report is the product of a collaborative effort between the National Democratic Institute
for International Affairs (NDI) and King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI). The two institutes worked

jointly on a nation-wide focus group research project, facilitating 32 focus group discussions
with randomly recruited citizens in Bangkok and 11 other provinces across Thailand. A second

report, which will detail results of a second round of focus group research on constitutional
reform and political polarization, will follow in the coming months.

Edi Efendija Dr.Stithorn Thananithichot

Country Director Director, The Office of Innovation for Democracy
NDI Thailand King Prajadhipok’s Institute