The principal political culture of people in Ban Kham sub-district administrative area, Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

             This article argued that one way of measuring whether democracy is of the lasting sort is to determine whether a democratic political culture has developed. It is often mistakenly assumed that to have democratic institutions in place or to conduct regular free and fair elections is tantamount to a mature democracy. Since democratic political culture is the founding of government and essential of democracy stability, the purpose of this research project is to study the principal political culture of local people in villages in the Northeast. A qualitative research method was used to collect and analyze data obtained from target areas; a total number of 38 subjects were interviewed. The research findings indicated that the principal distinctive political cultures in the communities could be divided into three categories: 1) apathy which is fostered by the majority who shows ignorance,  apathy, a lack of interest and do not give importance to political or current issues, 2) detached and aloof  refers to people who are quite introvert and prefer not to attach to or involve in any activity with the community, and 3) participants refer to a group of people with interest in political participation who are aware of political policies, are able to discuss political issues, and involve in various types of political participation.  We recommend that if Thai society wishes to establish true democracy, it is essential to install in the society democratic political culture.