The Political Party's Policies and Solutions for Addressing Digital Divide Issues in the 2023 Election Campaign

Abstract

          This article raises the inquiry as to whether different political parties presented digital policies within their campaign strategies during the 2023 general election, and how the prioritization of content related to digital issues was approached. The researcher employed qualitative research methods, encompassing the examination of documents pertaining to political party policies sourced from the Office of the Election Commission of Thailand, mass media, communication channels, electronic media platforms, as well as the content contained within campaign advertisements of six prominent political parties: Pheu Thai Party, Kao Klai Party, Palang Pracharath Party, Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, Prachathipat Party, and Bhumjaithai Party. The gathered data were subsequently meticulously organized, scrutinized, and interpreted in relation to its substantive content.
          The research findings indicate that various political parties have given importance to the issue of digital divide reduction within their policies, with a particular focus on welfare state and digital literacy issues that are utilized for electoral campaigns to the greatest extent. Other digital-related policies are ranked as secondary priorities, aiming to eliminate disparities, alleviate poverty, and accelerate the country's economic recovery. These policies incorporate digital technology as an integral part of daily life through welfare state initiatives. However, two parties, namely Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party and Bhumjaithai Party, did not present any digital-related policies and did not address digital technology issues in their campaign strategies. Furthermore, these policies are still lacking comprehensive coverage in four areas, namely 1) the development of basic digital skills for the elderly, 2) providing fundamental knowledge on cyber security, 3) developing digital development plans in collaboration with local communities, and 4) fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors.