Thai Democrat Party Scouts Social Networks For New Leaders

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Democrat party scouts social networks for new leaders

By Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation

After recruiting the first batch of "Future Thai Leaders" through Facebook and Twitter, the Democrat Party has started focusing on attracting more of the new generation from the provinces.

Without a limit on numbers, the first group of 255 for the programme was selected from 518 applicants, said former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin, who is in charge of the programme.

One-third of the qualified members came from Bangkok while only a few dozen were from the North and Northeast.

However, the programme for the next batch will start only after the first crop completes the course.

The programme requires participants to take 24 hours of "ideology" and attend an academic class where political veterans share their experience. The second part of the programme consists of fieldtrips, following MPs at work including visits to local communities.

Party chief adviser Chuan Leekpai, former leader Banyat Bantadtan and secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban are responsible for teaching the Democrat's ideology. Strategist Korbsak Sabhavasu and Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij talk on policies. Successful businessmen and academics including those from the Election Commission and King Prajadhipok's Institute are guest speakers. Party-list MP Chamni Sakdiseth acts as the (school) headmaster, Apirak said.

First-time Bangkok MP Rachada Dhnadirek, one of the organisers who take on many roles in the programme, said not everyone recruited through social networks is suitable to be an MP candidate. But at least using social media is a sign that these people are active representatives of the new generation.

To qualify for the programme, an applicant must be under 35 years of age, a graduate and a Thai citizen.

The objective of the programme is to find young people to become MP candidates, join a policy-making team or help out in election campaigns for MP candidates.

Apirak said this programme proves the Democrat Party is open to all people.

"In the past, getting to work with a political party was not easy. You had to know someone or have good references. Now anybody can participate."

Rachada, the freshman MP, said the course also helps more people understand politics and politicians' work.

"We are now in an era when people say politicians are corrupt, they cheat. But can society remain with no MPs at all? No. Then we want to establish a political institution that makes the new generation understand politics, know what politicians do, the Democrat ideology and to be the Democrat's force in the future."

She said a lot of young people misunderstand politicians' work.

"Many people have an interest in politics. They think they can be an MP just speaking in Parliament and being in the news, but they might find out later that they actually prefer joining the support team," she said.

Apirak said the new project is another evolution of the party's activities for young people besides the Young Democrat and Democrat Internship programmes. Rachada said it was a more intensive version of Young Democrat.

Apirak said the party is prepared to face backlash from social networks, such as attacks on members or on the party and politics.

"Criticism in social networks opens the chance for us to clarify," he said.

But the networks also gauge the party's popularity, he conceded.

-- The Nation 2011-03-11