Backsliding of Thailand’s Democratization: Problems and Prospects for Solutions of Backsliding and Irregularities in the Political System
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Abstract
This article argues that democracy is a system of governance that Thailand adopted from Western nations. Although democracy has been widely accepted around the world, in Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, the democratization has faced persistent and formidable resistance.
In particular, Thailand’s democratization exhibits distinct characteristics and has encountered at least four major forms resistance: (1) long-standing military-bureaucratic dominance, (2) the emergence of a strong and cohesive network of conservative or right-wing groups, (3) the ease with which political parties may be dissolved, and (4) the deliberate effort of the ruling elite to prevent the public from acquiring democratic political knowledge. These persistent and deeply rooted obstacles have significantly hindered Thailand’s democratic development, contributing to its backsliding. This article advocates a solution through the dissemination of democratic political education to the public, aiming to cultivate a democratic political culture and to establish grassroots democracy in various forms. Such efforts seek to expand popular political participation and empower the people. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the necessity of military and independent institution reforms, as well as constitutional amendments aligned with democratic principles, to strengthen checks and balances and to counteract the elite-dominated governance. These elites continue to dictate the country’s future unilaterally and pursue political power and benefits for their own interests and networks.
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