Thailand Politics

In 1917, the Kingdom of Siam became an ally of Britain during World War I. A constitutional government was introduced in 1932, following a bloodless coup against King Prajadhipok. Seven years later, the country changed its name to Thailand.

During World War II, Japanese soldiers used Thailand as a base to advance towards Burma and Singapore. Following the allied victory, Thailand returned areas that had been seized to neighbouring nations. King Ananda was reinstated as monarch, but is assassinated a year later.

From 1932 to 1991, the country went through a period of political instability that included 17 coup d’etats. From 1992 to 1997, four different prime ministers—army general Suchinda Kraprayoon, Chuan Leekpai of the Democratic Party - Phak Prachatipat (PP), Banharn Silpa-archa of the Thai Nation Party - Phak Chart Thai (PCT) and Chavalit Yongchaiyudh of the New Aspiration Party - Phak Khwam Wang Mai (PKWM)—headed the government.

Thailand’s economy expanded significantly in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1997, an economic crisis affected most of Southeast Asia, causing high unemployment levels and a decline in production. The PP’s Leekpai became prime minister again, and established contacts with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to find a solution to the country’s financial problems.

In the January 2001 legislative ballot, the Thai Love Thais Party - Phak Thai Rak Thai (TRT) became the most popular political organization with 248 lawmakers. Allegations of vote-buying led to a partial second round. TRT leader Thaksin Shinawatra eventually established a coalition government with the PCT and the PKWM. In March 2001, Thaksin escaped an apparent assassination attempt when a bomb exploded inside a plane he was about to board.

HIV-AIDS is one of the country’s most pressing concerns. Figures released in late 2004 indicate that more than 570,000 Thais are HIV-Positive. Around 40 per cent of all AIDS patients in the Asian country are intravenous drug users. Thaksin vowed to provide medication and treatment to all people living with the disease in Thailand.

Thaksin launched a highly controversial drug policy in February 2003, which resulted in several deaths. Human rights organizations believe the government may have encouraged extra-judicial killings, a charge the administration denies.

Religious conflict has also affected Thailand. The southern provinces are home to a Muslim minority, while the rest of the country is primarily Buddhist. A series of attacks initiated in early 2004 led to the imposition of martial law in the south.

In 2004, more than 500 people have lost their lives during confrontations between government forces and a Muslim separatist movement that includes at least eight different armed groups, including the United Front for the Independence (Bersatu) and the Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO). In October 2004, 78 Muslim detainees died as they were being transported while in police custody.

2004 House of Representatives Election

The four-year term of prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to expire on Jan. 5, 2005. The Thai Love Thais Party - Phak Thai Rak Thai (TRT) leader stands to become the first democratically elected head of government to serve a full period.

While the election had been tentatively scheduled for Feb. 13, 2005, Thaksin called for an earlier date, as violence in the southern areas of Thailand continued. On Dec. 6, Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) chairman Vasana Permlap confirmed that the election to the House of Representatives would take place on Feb. 6, 2005.

Thaksin and the TRT remain very popular in the country’s rural areas. In urban zones, the opposition Democratic Party - Phak Prachatipat (PP) has recently enjoyed success. In August 2004, the PP’s Apirak Kosayothin won the gubernatorial election in Bangkok by a large margin.

Some opposition politicians have complained about the country’s electoral regulations, which call for lawmakers to abstain from any campaign activities on the last 60 days of the government’s term. The prime minister is allowed to make public appearances during this period.

The campaign is set to officially begin on Jan. 5. The ECT has invited foreign monitors to observe the election.

Political Players

King: Bhumipol Adulyadej (Rama IX)
Prime minister: Thaksin Shinawatra - TRT

Legislative Branch: The Ratha Sapha (National Assembly) has two chambers. The Saphaputhan Ratsadon (House of Representatives) has 438 members, elected to four-year terms; 100 members by proportional representation and 338 members in multi-seat constituencies. The Wuthisapha (Senate) has 200 members elected in single-seat constituencies. Only non-partisans are allowed to run for the Senate.

Results of Last Election:

House of Representatives - Jan. 6 and Jan. 29, 2001

www.cpod.ubc.ca