Patterns, Methods, and Impacts of Thai’s Election Based on the New Constitution : A Case Study of SaKaeo Province

Abstract

The purposes of this study were: 1) to investigate the changes in political poles including movement in political parties and decisions of political candidates in election process; 2) to study candidates’ behaviors regarding finance raised in election campaigns; 3) to explore relationships of other related organizations and stakeholders in election process; and 4) to examine environmental factors affecting the political behavior of the citizens. The research populations were political candidates, public and private organizations as stakeholders in the election process, and the citizen with rights to vote. Purposive and accidental samplings were employed as selection methods for the data collection. An interview and a set of questionnaire were used as research instruments of this study. The results revealed as follows. First of all, the election in Sa Kaeo province was divided into 3 electoral districts. From the previous election, the winner was a member of the House of Representatives (MP) with the same family under the Phuea Thai Party in all 3 districts. With the election under the new constitution, two former MPs for Phuea Thai Party has moved to the PalangPracharat Party and there has been another MP still belonging to the Phuea Thai Party. Plausible factors of the political movement could be analyzed on the basis of two variables: conflicts in political ideology and political games with reciprocal benefits in the election and the government joining. For newcomer candidates, they decided to apply for the MP because of their mutual belief of the party leader and the ideology of the party. In case of losing the election, the candidates were able to attend local politics. Secondly, the behavior of fundraising used by the candidates in the campaigns was supported by a budget from a partisan party and a personal budget. However, it must be proceed on laws and regulations. In addition to the monetary support from the party, some parties have provided materials such as brochures, posters, caps derived from the center to support political campaigns and activities in the areas. Thirdly, the relationships between organizations and affiliated stakeholders were perceived to be neutral by allowing the members of the group to independently decide for the MPs’ election. This is because no matter who wins the election, they must work together with the MPs in the local areas. Lastly, environmental factors influenced political behavior in the sense that most people would choose candidates, who were easily accessible to the people, high responsible and more reliable. They also expected for the candidates who would be eligible for participating in the government. With this regard, the selected candidates could foster the budget down to develop Sa Kaeo province in comparable to other neighboring provinces.