POPULIST APPROACH: REFLECTIONS ON THE STRUCTURAL POLITICAL CONCEPTS OF CLASSES IN THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

This academic article aims to analyze populist approaches by reviewing definitions and related literature, using the conceptual framework through the perspective of the political context of the class structure in Thai society. It was found that "populism" is a political concept that does not have a complete and clear ideological principle like a general political regime or ideology, be it democracy, socialism, Marxism, or fascism. Moreover, these ideas are the guidelines that influence the beliefs of people even if the leader is changed. The system remains with more concrete principles of practice, and this is different from the populist approach that was created. It is the primary ideology expressed through the ability of a unique individual, or a single political party, to choose a government leader. If it turns out that such a person is out of power, the ideology will immediately become a light ideology. Since institutionalism relies on the individual and not the political system, the populist approach should be a temporary "option" to policy rather than a "norm" for the permanent reduction of social inequality. Because of the lessons learned in countries that used frenzied populist politics, they could cause a condition known as "hyperinflation," which would be an economic disaster. Therefore, the creation of a welfare state is driven by quality taxation, which may be the best answer to reduce the conflict between political ideologies and to reduce the structural class inequality in Thai society.