Democracy in Asia Part I: First Impressions in Thailand

It is put forward that Thailand is one of the best established and stable democracies in South East Asia. This stability has resulted in sustained economic growth and development as well as fewer human rights violations than most of its immediate neighbours. However, democracy in Asia is not exactly like the model put forward by its western proponents! Despite the constitutional monarchy’s record, Thailand is currently under a military dictatorship, albeit a benevolent one thus far. The military took control of the government claiming that the people had tired of the former leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, who had just become the first prime minister to lead a government through a full term, but had been implicated in charges of corruption. Elections are scheduled for any day now but in the mean time a number of draconian public order bills have been pushed through parliament under the intern government, which are deemed necessary for national security. The general public has placed a lot of faith in the military government in recent months and it is hoped that the transition back to democracy will be a smooth one. Certainly, the foreign investors have not been scared away as business is booming in Thailand.

My first impressions of the democratic system in Thailand have been mixed. There is no doubt that this government is much more open and accountable than many others in the region and has a relatively decent human rights record. Nevertheless, many people in Thailand do not have a sophisticated sense of democratic values has been evident in the run up to the regional and national elections this December. Corruption is prevalent. Many people I spoke to in the rural areas simply will vote for whoever the village leaders tell them to. The Bangkok Post reported that sixty percent of Thais will vote for anyone in exchange for one thousand Baht (35 Dollars Canadian) and many local and national politicians have been implicated in vote buying. This is either done by direct payments, such as handing out party calendars with money stapled inside them, or by hosting lavish receptions on election days and encouraging their tipsy guests to vote for them. This second problem has become so rife that the sale of alcohol has been banned for three days before regional and national elections, much to the chagrin of those who feel responsible enough to make up their own minds and who also enjoy the odd tipple!

There is a severe lack of education on political issues as most people appear unconcerned or uninterested in politics in general. While this is not unique to Thailand, and indeed, many western states suffer from the same affliction of lethargy, there is very little democratic culture here. Most people would seem to prefer not to have to make any decisions at all. The Monarch remains wildly popular and people place their faith in him. Every Monday all workers wear yellow shirts emblazoned with the Monarch’s symbol and it seems like there is at least one regal celebration per week. All are forbidden by law from criticizing the King or defacing any image of him, of which there are countless thousands posted in every neighborhood. It is the King who seems to hold the country together and who has applied pressure to the military to hand power back to the people. There is a legitimate fear that if the monarchy ends the military will simply depose elected representatives and a return to authoritarianism would be inevitable.

This leads me to ask many questions about democracy’s role in South East Asia. Is it necessary for human rights and economic development? Do all cultures want the same type of democracy? Do some cultures prefer authoritarian states? Is this a ll a matter of education? Can a democratic culture grow? What about minorities in democracies? Many people point to the less democratic regimes in China and Vietnam, who are experiencing unprecedented economic growth and note that authoritarianism produces a more stable foundation for economic development in the long term. I will be watching the Thai elections unfold next week (unfortunately without a soothing restorative) and hope to find answers to these questions in the coming months.