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Chapter 2 : KEY INSIGHTS

1. Value Selflessness. Thai citizens express a sincere love for country and pride in culture.

Their views are shaped by a belief in self-sufficiency, and working to care for their
family, which can extend to their village. Ideal characteristics include generosity,
kindness, honesty, and compliance with society’s rules. In democracy, they emphasize

respect for others, their rights, and the importance of being heard.

2. Broad No-confidence. Citizens have lost trust in their elected officials and government
institutions. No one believes democracy is healthy in Thailand under the current
government. Few believe the House of Representatives acts in the public interest, and

almost none believe the Senate does so.

3. Economic Pleas. Financial woes are the top immediate concern for many citizens, and

they want the government to step in to reduce costs or raise agricultural prices, extend
more welfare for vulnerable groups, or to increase economic development.

4. Lack of Confidence in Electoral Commission. The legitimacy of a democratically
elected government begins with confidence the results are based on fair elections. Citizens

feel the system is corrupt and devalues their contributions to the country; they expressed
concerns with the Election Commission of Thailand, including partisanship, nepotism,
cronyism, lack of transparency (often in ballot counting), and inadequate laws and disparity in

enforcement, as well as a culture of vote buying by politicians, often preying on
vulnerable low socioeconomic segments of citizens.

5. Media Role Missing. Citizens do not consider the media to be an important part of
democratic institutions. Though the broader media are somewhat trusted, many are

wary of privately-owned outlets.

6. Progress was halted. There is a concern that the stunting of democracy also stalled the

country’s development. This has discouraged citizens who are motivated by concern
for fellow citizens and not by politics.

8 Citizen Attitudes and Priorities
for Strengthening Democracy