The Transition to Democracy in Thailand

Abstract

Abstract: The essay analyzes the process of democratization in Thailand during the contemporary period. The process has proceeded in fits and starts, and is characterized by difficulty reconciling Westernstyle democracy with Asian traditions. The article points out the differences and similarities between Western and Thai democracy, concluding that the term “semidemocracy” best describes the Thai system. While Thailand has most of the structures characteristic of Western democracies, behaviorally, the kingdom does not meet the standard criteria. Personalistic patron-client networks, ruralurban economic gaps, pervasive corruption, voter and candidate buying, weak political parties, and the disproportionate influence character are examples of that undermine democracy’s chances in Thailand. Nevertheless, Thailand’s movement toward democracy has been inexorable. The article covers the period from the authoritarian regime of General Sarit Thanarat in th 1960s to the present civilian leaders, showing the incremental changes that have moved Thailand closer to democratic standards. The prime ministership of Banharn Silapa-archa set back the clock with the reemergence of old-style money politicians, but in the larger context, his administration was a temporary blip rather than a reversal of the evolution toward democratic procedures. The article concludes that Thailand is well placed to continue its semidemocracy. Increased communications, pragmatic governments, routinization of democratic processes, stable economic development, population control, and the absence of major internal and external threats bode well for the future of the nation and the future of semidemocracy.