Developing Democracy under a New Constitution in Thailand: A Pluralist Solution
This article by Robert B. Albritton and Thawilwadee Bureekul for King Prajadhipok's Institute provides a timely analysis of the implementation of Thailand's innovative 1997 Constitution after elections for both chambers of parliament and in the light of the recent practice of some of the key institutions established under the Constitution. The authors focus in particular on the Constitutional Court, the Electoral Commission and the National Counter Corruption Commission. The article then examines the level of public satisfaction with Thailand's new democratic political landscape. The study found a 72.6 percent satisfaction rate and asked whether this is an appropriate level. The study also found a significant urban/rural distinction with Bangkok respondents significantly more likely to use criteria such as 'ability' and 'integrity' as the basis for evaluating candidates, while those outside Bangkok are more oriented toward local interests.
