Public participation will help create strong organic democracy

The panel chair, who is also a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), said she hoped the public forums would give rise to “organic democracy”, one that is “non-toxic” for Thailand. 

With a “toxic democracy”, she said, a country faces problems, conflict and disputes, but with an “organic” one, the country does not get hit with toxicity because its democracy is strong enough to survive. 

“Democracy also needs immunity, and its best immune system is the people,” she said. “Listening to people’s opinions can lead to better democracy in Thailand.” 

Her committee has held seven forums in different provinces since January to gather proposals from the public. She said the main topic in them was “uniting people’s power for national reform”, and the people’s biggest wish was that the country give birth to better politicians and a better system. She added that the biggest concern was corruption, and many said they wanted it eradicated efficiently. 

One method suggested was to set up a people’s assembly that can scrutinise politicians, as well as give the public a better chance to participate in their country’s administration. 

Thawilwadee said that after closely studying people’s proposals, the charter drafters decided to set up a new body to strengthen the public’s role. She said the CDC has also inserted a clause to boost civil rights, which was also proposed. 

On the topic of “good politicians”, people suggested that politicians undergo lessons on morality and ethics, as well as introduce themselves to potential voters several months before becoming candidates. Knowing a politician beforehand would help voters make the right choice, they reasoned. 

Thawilwadee said the enthusiasm that people displayed when participating in each forum showed the public wants to play a part in national reform, rather than being presented with set ideas from the authorities. 

“Some people even presented a report of their proposals,” the chairperson said. 

When asked if holding forums in red-shirt strongholds complicated matters, she cited Udon Thani, where she said people realised that they were seen as being in opposition to the military government, but they said they wanted reconciliation to be promoted. She said strong red-shirt supporters also offered ideas on reducing inequality. 

Thawilwadee also said that since gathering opinions was important, each forum followed strict regulations. For instance, participants were only allowed to speak one at a time and could only offer proposals on national reform. 

She said the proposal for women to make up at least a third of local administrative councils – which is still being considered – also came from the public. 

She also highlighted the significance of accountability, saying that if all members of society realise that they are responsible for their country, they will be able to participate fully in every area of reform, which would lead to sustainable peace in the future. 

“This sense of accountability will lead to a civil society in which people can function on their own,” she said, adding that her committee’s next job was unveiling the new charter.