Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Politics
Government
Much of the political drama that has unfolded since the 2006 coup involves a long-stand-
ing debate about how to structure Thailand's legislative body and, ultimately, who gets
greater control. The National Assembly (or parliament of Thailand) currently has 630
members divided into two chambers (House of Representatives and the Senate) with a mix
of seats being popularly elected and elected by party vote. The ratio of seats being pop-
ularly elected changes with each replacement constitution. The 1997 constitution, dubbed
the People's Constitution, called for both chambers to be fully elected by popular vote.
This power to the people paved the way for Thaksin and his well-loved Thai Rak Thai
party to gain nearly complete control. The military and the elites have since rescinded this
structure, often arguing that full democratic representation doesn't work in Thailand.
When Thai voters go to the polls they cast a ballot for the constituency MP (member of
parliament) and for their preferred party, the results of which are used to determine indi-
vidual winners and proportional representation outcomes for the positions assigned by
party vote.
The Democrat Party (Phak Prachathipat), founded in 1946, is now the longest-surviving political party in
Thailand.
The prime minister is the head of the government and is elected via legislative vote by
the majority party. Under the most recent constitution, the prime minister must be a sitting
MP, though this has not always been the case.
Voting in Thailand is compulsory for all eligible citizens (over the age of 18) but mem-
bers of the clergy are not allowed to vote. Voter turnout for national elections has steadily
increased since the new millennium with 78% of registered voters casting ballots in 2007.
Charges of vote-buying typically accompany every election. Anecdotally, local party lead-
ers make their rounds through the villages handing out money for the promise of a vote. In
some cases, villagers will accept money from competing parties and report that they have
no loyalty at the ballot box.
The ballots include a 'no' vote if the voter wishes to choose 'none of the above'. It is
also common to 'spoil' the ballot, or disqualify it, by writing on it or defacing it. During
