Yesterday, well known advocate for democratic values in Thailand, James Klein, launched the Asia Foundation’s study on Constitutional Reform and Democracy in Thailand: A National Survey of the Thai People. The report is here. A press release is here. A summary of main findings is here. And here is a photo of the launch, with a nice image of the Thai political process in the background (click for a larger version).
I look forward to discussion on New Mandala about the contents of the report.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Frank G Anderson // Sep 18, 2009 at 12:44 am
Just a glance, reading now…regarding civic attitudes and responsibility, that is an area that needs serious study, survey and reform. There is little recognition of obligation toward the public in general, not just in good works but in all walks of life, including traffic regulations while driving, etc.
2 Nick Wood // Sep 19, 2009 at 2:43 am
The most obvious thing that I understood from the entire survey was that even though 60% approximately have some respect for the army, the overwhelming support was for democracy.
If there is anything momentous that may come out of the last 5 years of political debauchery that has gone on in Thailand, it is finally that the army realises that possibly it cannot step to the forefront of Thai politics any more.
Many people look at Abhisit’s position and believe he is weak. In reality, the people he has most to fear from are the army, yet he is their “banker”.
They have to back him and if he uses this to his advantage, he may (and I say may) be able to re-unite the country.
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