Party System and Democratisation Process in Thailand

Abstract

The Kingdom of Thailand is considered a country where many favourable factors converge to form a sustainable democratic system. Yet, reality has shown that the democratisation process has encountered many challenges. Why is democratic consolidation difficult for Thailand? In order to find the answer to such a question, this article aims to explore the nature of Thai democracy, the democratisation process, and particularly the party system as variables of democratic consolidation in Thailand. Research findings show that people’s participation in electoral politics can be hindered by the elite, especially the monarchy and the military. In such a context, the Thai party system continues to develop to meet the essence of Thai democracy. It can be seen that with a low level of institutionalisation, the Thai party system has not taken on the role of an essential institution for the country’s democratisation process.