Reformation and Resolution for Political Crisis in Thailand

Abstract

     Thailand has been mired in political conflict and crisis for 10 years, impacting the economy and society. In this atmosphere, there are two main alternative conceptions of democracy among Thai citizens. The first view places emphasis on the electoral process with the executive deriving its legitimacy from “majority rule”. The opposing view considers “morality and ethical behavior” of the executive more important than its
representativeness. Both sides attempt to use “discourse” to fight for democracy, seeking aims such as Eelimination the Thaksin’s regime, and Eeradication parliamentary the dictatorship in parliament. In the context of a deeply polarized society like Thailand’s, there is no possible answer relying on the identification of who is “right” and who is “wrong”.

     Thai governments have made efforts to resolve the political conflict crisis by pursing political conflict resolution and reconciliation policies. During the Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva administration, the established Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand (TRCT) was established, and later Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawattra created the Political Reform Council to help find a resolution to political, economic, and social conflict. This academic article, over four sections, clarifies solutions for Thailand’s political conflict crisis. The first section explains the political conflict situation and root cause of the conflict. The second section describes political conflict theory, reconciliation concepts and public administration theory for political conflict resolution. The third section illuminates the past 10 years of government policy regarding the political conflict. The last section presents a conclusion and analysis regarding an appropriate resolution sustainability of Thailand’s democratic process.