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IFES - Thailand

Thailand

IFES programming in Thailand focused on assisting the return of democratic rule following the September 2006 coup. Although coup leaders suspended the 1997 constitution, they promised a rapid return to democracy.

A new constitution was approved by referendum in September 2007. Following the ratification, organic draft laws on elections, political parties and the Election Commission of Thailand were created by the National Legislative Assembly in anticipation of national elections in December 2007.

While December elections succeeded in restoring democratic rule, the election results brought back to power political forces perceived as loyal to those ousted in the 2006 coup. A political stalemate ensued. With the official political system thus hindered, politics increasingly took to the streets in large demonstrations and counter demonstrations culminating in the occupation of Thailand's government house and Bangkok's two main airports by one of the demonstrating street factions, the Peoples’ Alliance for Democracy. 

In December 2008, the Constitutional Court dissolved the ruling People Power Party (PPP) for elections-fraud findings and the opposition Democrat party succeeded in winning enough support to form a new government. This new political configuration faces tremendous challenges. There is now a chance for democracy-strengthening reforms and national reconciliation; however, the actions of the last three years have set a dangerous precedent for extra-parliamentary political action and have left a polarized polity deeply disaffected with the political process.

Current Projects

Support for Democracy and Elections in Thailand

IFES is supporting Thailand’s return to democratic rule by helping the country prepare for elections.