Thai Politics: Colourful Or Colourless?

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Thai politics: colourful or colourless?

By Kavi Chongkittavorn

The Nation

It is heartening to find out that the majority of Thais concur that democracy is the best form of government despite all the imperfections our political system has inherited in the past 79 years. They also share common values, especially the ability to compromise with minority voices. In a similar vein, these days an increased number of Thais would reject a non-elected leader when the Thai democracy needs a detour, as has been the case in previous coups and with the leadership of political nincompoops. In an election, people would vote for a party rather than along a colour line. These are some of the decades-old and new salient features of Thai politics, which somehow have been ignored or dismissed altogether by local and international opinion makers.

The 2010 national survey of the Thai electorate by the Asia Foundation, released last week, will become a treasure-trove for watchers of Thai politics as it contains the above findings that would refine, in some cases reset, the prevailing perception of colour divides in Thai politics. One important indication that came out showed that Thais are not politically divided as the conventional wisdom holds. Obviously, the Thai political landscape is not as simplistic as the daily political pundits make it out to be. It is extremely complex and sometimes contradictory in nature with intertwining visible and invisible factors which are sometimes hard to pinpoint, let alone comprehend in totality. So, there is a lot of guesswork and soothesaying.

Movers and shakers in media, politics, academia, as well as political activists would be uneasy with the survey as it definitely shatters some of their embedded views and biases.

In the past decade, particularly in the last three years, the debate on Thai politics and the political future has been framed narrowly over colour polarisation—the yellow and red movements and their objectives. They were zeroed in on the fate of Thaksin Shinawatra, the disparity between urban and rural areas and the urban elite and rural mass in all spheres. Along the way, the debate also entered the taboo area concerning the role of the Thai monarchy and its family members. Of course, the survey did not touch at all on this subject. With the prevailing public mood, it is clear as sunrise in the morning that it is no longer off-limits as the democratic space in Thailand has expanded and consolidated. It would be a folly not to recognise this omnipresent trend.

Despite all the pooh-poohing nature of Thai politics, the 93 per cent of Thai respondents to the survey supported democracy as the best form of government. As expected, the most troubled area in the South showed strong democratic conviction both in their attitude and behaviour, different from the other four regions which were somehow influenced by personalities and colour politics. The Thais in both rural and urban areas also believed that the best democratic government would be the most representative of society rather than just the best educated. But 75 per cent of respondents wanted the prosperous and well educated - the so-called elites - to protect and guide the less disadvantaged in society.

Strange as it may seem, almost half of all Thais questioned viewed democracy in terms of rights and freedoms while another third was focused on elections. That helps explain why Thailand ranks at the world's No. 1 when it comes to political mobilisation. Thais thought their voices would be heard more succinctly if they gathered as groups instead of individual voices. In past years, numerous political demonstrations were held coupled with high tolerance from the security apparatus. Government after government has been extremely careful in handling and engaging public protests and conflicts. The rule of engagement during political rallies, especially among security forces and the doctrine of the non-use of force, has become more clearly defined and stringently enforced by the day.

At the same time, the respondents were highly ambivalent concerning the issue of censorship and media controls. No wonder, when asked about censorship, nearly half (48 percent) supported freedom of expression while the other half (46 percent) preferred some form of censorship for the sake of social peace and stability. As such, the role of media as well as academics is a pivotal ingredient in Thai democracy. Their views and assumptions, through numerous media outlets and higher learning institutes, inevitably helped shape public opinion. Judging from the survey, these institutions have missed taking into their consideration these salient points.

It would be interesting to find out in future surveys what Thais would think about their duties and responsibilities in democratic governance. So far, the survey has not yet dealt with this topic. To do so, the electorate has to be better informed about the state of democracy and its perceived roles in deepening democratic values. One constructive indication from the survey was that Thais (61 per cent) believed that decentralisation would improve governance and reduce tensions, especially the colour divides. If local interests and governance can be settled and managed among local stakeholders, future democratic development is a bright one.

The role of the international community has been mentioned briefly. The survey showed that there is sufficient space for international assistance in elections, improving democratic qualities and rights issues. A strong majority at 69 per cent think that with international and local neutral observers, elections would be fair while 55 per cent thought the political impasse could be solved with international involvement. This finding should help the current government to ponder whether to allow the international community some role and engagement in sensitive domestic issues - be it in elections or security - to name but a few, especially those with international implications.

However, of particular significance is the state of frequently criticised Thai democratic values, which have not been well understood and appreciated. Criticism is deepening on a daily basis, especially in rural areas affected by day-to-day political development and unpredictability. Politicians at local and national levels should pay serious attention to the findings because they serve as a political compass for the upcoming electoral campaign which will be held at the end of June or early July. One must not toy around with the independent mind of the Thai electorate, in particular, the rural voters who have their own views, even though at times they have succumbed to peer pressure.

One caveat is in order. A survey is a survey - and nothing more with its merits and pitfalls - as it reflects the thinking, whatever the state of mind and emotions of the respondents caught during September 17-October 23, 2010. Next year's survey, which the foundation has promised to conduct, would certainly yield new surprises. It is notable that whenever political dust has settled, common sense among Thai folks - as the survey showed - would prevail, providing there were no additional artificial stimulants!

-- The Nation 2011-04-04

[hammered]

As always interesting information. It is just such a shame that at the oragnized level of elections there is so little choice for the electorate with all parties being right wing and representing the interests of various elite groups.

[animatic]

As always interesting information. It is just such a shame that at the oragnized level of elections there is so little choice for the electorate with all parties being right wing and representing the interests of various elite groups.

All too true.

[givenall]

As always interesting information. It is just such a shame that at the oragnized level of elections there is so little choice for the electorate with all parties being right wing and representing the interests of various elite groups.

Very colorful and I guess it’s because of lack of education,since they really can’t read the fact, or maybe they don’t care since theyelection here is mostly driven by buying the votes

[Skywalker69]

I am so tired of all this colour codes. It would have been easier if everyone was colourblind.

[brd]

suddenly all orange or pale cream color.........

[trisailer]

I don't get it. Why do expats care what the Thai politicians do or how they do it. Democracy when it is working properly always looks messy. Thai society is rapidly changing and experencing huge growth and the various parties are fighting for their piece of the pie. The US certainly had it's share of disorder during it's developement. Thailand is becomming richer and I hope that they do a better job of sharing the wealth with all it's citizens.

As a American citizen I'm much more concerned with the destruction of the middleclass and the consolidation of money and power in the hands of a few. I don't believe it is a sustainable economic model .

[Deeral]

"Colourful" - has a positive meaning - suggesting that despite any flaws Thai politics is "OK" - a good egg etc.IMO nothing could be further from the truth.Almost every form of skullduggery ever used in politics is at play here, mostly used by an elite who spend all their time (and the public's money) trying to get into or stay in power by hook or by crook.

It should be a matter of national shame, but as they do a pretty good job of muzzling the free press and keeping the electorate in the dark, it looks as if this election will be any different from any previous attempts..............and of course there is always the proviso that if anything "goes wrong" the army can step in and take over - after all isn't that their constitutional function in Thailand?

"Of course, the survey did not touch at all on this subject." so that just about renders any "survey " a complete waste of time too........

Edited April 4, 2011 by Deeral

[AZBill]

Neither. Just self-serving and pathetic!