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Thailand
This Week in AsiaOpinion
Kasit Piromya
Kasit Piromya

Opinion | Thailand rejected the old ways. It’s up to the new generation to move democracy forward

  • A clear majority of Thais turned their backs on traditional, conservative thinking and embraced a new generation of politicians in last month’s polls
  • Now is the time for establishment elements to let go and allow the forces of change to take hold – for the betterment of everyone in Thai society

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Pita Limjaroenrat (centre, white shirt) leader of the Move Forward Party, waves to supporters in Bangkok following his party’s election victory last month. Photo: AP
Kasit Piromya
While some of its neighbours have discarded authoritarianism and military rule to become successful democracies, Thailand has since 1932 been struggling to transform itself from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one within a democratic setting.
The current constitution, introduced in 2017 by the military junta, turned Thailand into a quasi-democracy. A move towards liberal democracy has not occurred because nobody in power has ventured out of their bubble to talk to other important players in Thai society.
Thailand has had many constitutions, the contents of which usually reflect the desires and aspirations of whoever was in power at the time. In short, all past and present constitutions have been of the elites’ making. Only the 1997 constitution was considered to be of the people, as its drafters came from many walks of life. By contrast, two dozen personalities appointed by the leaders of 2014’s coup drafted 2017’s constitution, which was implemented under the purview and direction of the junta – with Thailand’s 250-member military-appointed Senate containing six serving generals from the armed forces and the police.
Sappaya-Sapasathan, the meeting place of the National Assembly of Thailand – including its 250-member military-appointed Senate. Photo: AFP
Sappaya-Sapasathan, the meeting place of the National Assembly of Thailand – including its 250-member military-appointed Senate. Photo: AFP

At any one time, various institutions or entities with a stake in Thai society have coexisted while holding different ideas about how democracy should look in the country, yet there has still been suspicion and distrust.

There has also been a remarkable lack of communication with the public. Before crafting a new constitution, one would have expected a coup leader or sitting prime minister to have invited all major stakeholders to discuss and form a consensus on the nature and direction of democracy in the kingdom.

Given the results of the national election on May 14, a likely coalition government forming under the Move Forward Party’s leadership has stated clearly and firmly that Thailand is to have a new constitution that is truly democratic in nature. Hopefully, the incoming government will hold extensive consultations to find a consensus that is acceptable to all sides.

The journey towards such a consensus will not be easy. Traditionalists, royalists, and conservatives continue to constitute sizeable portions of Thai society. The civilian bureaucracy, accustomed to being at the centre of administrative power, would prefer not to relinquish its authority and prerogatives. The military establishment is preoccupied with national security and clings to the belief that it is the defender of the three jewels of nationhood; religious belief and traditions; and the monarchy – while ignoring the modern and democratic concept that the military must be subject to civilian rule and play no role in politics.

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