The Dynamics of Participatory Democracy in the Constitutions of the Kingdom of Thailand (1997–2017)

Abstract

This qualitative research employs a documentary study of both primary and secondary sources to: (1) examine the core principles of participatory democracy, (2) explore the dynamics of participatory democracy, and (3) analyze the impact of promoting participatory democracy, as reflected in the Constitutions of the Kingdom of Thailand from 1997 to 2017, on political participation within the framework of participatory democracy and constitutionalism.

The findings reveal that the 1997 Constitution served as a model for promoting participatory democracy by addressing the limitations of representative democracy and enhancing citizens' political and policy decision-making power on issues affecting their lives, including monitoring state power, proposing legislation, and conducting referendums. These features were carried forward in the 2007 and 2017 Constitutions.

Additionally, the 2007 and 2017 Constitutions addressed certain obstacles to participation, such as reducing the number of eligible voters required to propose a bill from 50,000 to 10,000. The 2007 Constitution also introduced a specific section on public political participation (Chapter 7). These changes reflect the dynamic nature of participatory democracy. However, the right to recall national political leaders is absent from the 2017 Constitution, leaving only the recall of local leaders. Promoting participatory democracy has fostered broader civic engagement in political activities.

However, due to the conditions surrounding the required number of eligible voters to initiate political participation—whether in cases of impeachment of political officeholders, submission of draft legislation, or the time-consuming nature of the participatory process—these activities often lack effectiveness. This may reduce long-term interest in participatory activities. Therefore, to make participatory democracy more effective in addressing the shortcomings of representative democracy, agencies should be established to guide the public on political participation.