Thailand in Focus

Well, let me tell you first of all though that there is no question that despite the differences in opinion there is still a consensus among Thai people and Thai society. And there is still an aspiration of the Thai people that we continue on a democratic path, and that we still firmly believe that only a democratic system will lead us to a sustainable development and that will deliver peace and prosperity for Thai people.

But we know that in a democracy, uncertainty and, sometimes, volatility or even instability comes with it.? And even in a well-established democracy there?s always been a history in which there is a period of uncertainty, a period of instability.? Even civil wars have happened in an established democracy.

Thailand, in its history, has gone through a democratic experience formally since 1932, when the country transformed from absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy and adopted a parliamentary system. Since then we have had 18 constitutions, about 24 coups, depending on how you count, and we have had just last year 4 prime ministers.? But again, I would insist that that does not reflect failure on the part of Thai democracy.? I see democracy in Thailand as being vibrantly at work. And when Secretary Clinton visited Thailand in July earlier this year, she said, and she said it well, that Thai politics is as spicy as its food.

So we have been through ups and downs and we are determined to learn from this experience.? ?The whole society is learning to adapt and to find ways to have a more mature and sustainable democracy. ?And the one thing that is certain that after all the political difficulties that we have been going through at least now Thai people in all walks of life, at all levels, are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of politics in their lives and they are more determined to engage in politics directly which to me could only be a stronger foundation for a better democracy in the future.? They would no longer leave politics in the hands of only a few. And politics will no longer be a matter only for a few elites or people at the top.? It is now in every household and I see this as a silver lining in a cloud that we have had in this form of political crisis.

So let me share with you some of my thoughts on what type of democracy is needed in Thailand.? We certainly want a kind of democracy that is based on the rule of law, responsibility and accountability.? We want a kind of democracy where people?s voices are not only heard during election but their voices are integral to all decision making process.? We want a democracy where not only the majority rules but the minority also has a fair share, their voices are duly heard and their interest equally recognised.

In short, we are in interested in the substance of democracy more than the form.? The Thai people now have come to appreciate that having constitution, having political parties, having election do not necessarily give them democracy. ?Democracy means much much more than that.?? And to me, the only true kind of democracy is liberal democracy.? And in the world, where there is increased integration, openness, competition, and where market force would inevitably continue to dominate, liberal democracy appears to the only kind of governance that is well suited to the changing economic and other environment at the global level.

A month ago I had an honour to speak after a lecture given by Professor Stiglitz in Bangkok. Professor Stiglitz is now very well known and well liked by the people of Thailand, and I took the opportunity then to share my thoughts on how to make a progressive Thailand. I laid down some basic principles on how we can bring the country to the next level.? There are vital factors to make a new democratic society. And these principles can very well apply to many countries aspiring for democracy.? So let me go through some of them.