The Role of Influential Figures Outside Political Parties in Thai politics

Abstract

               Influential Figures Outside Political Parties in Thailand arose due to structural reasons and power relations between political power and economic power, consisting of the political elite and the economic elite, both of which are interdependent. However, the democratic regime is an important factor or channel that allows influential groups outside political parties to play a greater role in politics themselves through the political party system. These influential groups outside political parties become politicians and can use political power to push for various public policies. In particular, economic policies have resulted in rapid economic growth for the country. However, on the other hand, they have also led to the exploitation of influential groups outside political parties, resulting in many policies responding to or benefiting business groups.

               The role of influential figures outside political parties has had both positive and negative political effects. If a group of influential people outside political parties enters into politics with a sense of status that they enter to bring their knowledge and skills or present policy ideas that are beneficial to national development, it will certainly create benefits. But if the role or power is used to seek economic wealth for oneself and one's associates, without considering the country's interests as the main consideration, it will cause enormous damage to the country.