Political Activities and Electoral Behavior in Bangkok during Thailand’s 2019 Election

Abstract

     The aim of this research is to examine phenomena related to the 2019 general election as observed in Bangkok in the following aspects: 1) political atmosphere and activities of political parties, organizations, and political groups; 2) activities and political behavior of the candidates; 3) roles of state agencies; 4) patterns of political behavior among people and political groups; 5) use of resources, especially electoral expenditure; 6) changes in political power affiliation, party switching, factors that affect political deci sions, and electoral results; 7) political activities and electoral campaigns in online/ social media; and 8) other issues.

     The findings of the research are as follow.

     1) The election took place after a long period (eight years) without a general election as a result of the political turmoil following the 2014 coup. Under the coup regime, political regulations including the Constitution, election laws, and political party laws were changed. Political activities were for a long time banned.

     2) In 2019 Bangkok had 30 constituencies, compared with 33 constituencies in the 2011 election. Of these 30, Palang Pracharat won 12 seats, Pheu Thai 9, and Future Forward 9. The Democrat Party did not win any seats, but they still took a significant share of the votes cast.

     3) The Democrat Party lost its political appeal to the voters and experienced a paradox of its own institutional strength. Pheu Thai survived and developed a new electoral strategy to deal with pressure from the  political regime and the unfavorable conditions resulting from the institutional arrangements for the election. Palang Pracharat had an advantage, as it is part of the incumbent political regime, and it gained further
advantage from the new electoral system. The party was also able to seize existing local electoral networks. The Future Forward successfully turned the crisis generated by the political restructuring into an opportunity to make a new political party that embraced a political identity characterized by the new generation. Future Forward also made considerable use of new media. The popularity of the party drew political attacks.

     4) The strategies and tactics used by political parties and candidates played crucial roles in their success or failure. Parties and candidates must successfully know their constituency very well. They must also  understand various forms of community. Clientelism in Bangkok does not operate city-wide, but it is still crucial for victory in some areas. Parties and candidates must know how to use conventional media and new/social media.

     5) The electoral irregularities and electoral fraud committed by the candidates in the election Bangkok were complex and dynamic. The public has also become suspicious of activities by state agencies to regulate elections and the existing political regime.

     6) The results of the election in Bangkok reflect a multi-layered political conflict in Thailand. The dominant model of voting behavior is a mix of strategy and emotions.