Democrats need to focus on regions

The article mentions ideas about “restructuring” and moving people around internally, which probably will not be helpful. The problem of the Democrats not winning national elections is due to money politics, the Democrats’ weak support from business, and having almost no presence in the North and Northeast.

This is not rocket science. The Democrats typically win (and last election won) three of Thailand’s five regions – Bangkok/Central, the East and the 14 provinces of the South, where the government party did not even win one seat. However, last election they won almost no seats in the North and Northeast.

According to the 2010 census, almost 22 million people live in Isaan (40 per cent concentrated in Korat, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani) and 12 million in the North, out of 63 million. That is more than half.

Even during non-election periods, there are Pheu Thai signs and PR all over these two regions, but nothing for the Democrats.

Forget about reshuffling and “better utilising” existing people – they need to merge with North and Northeast parties, invest in local politicians there, and advertise themselves there – exactly what the Democrats’ opposition did to create their own party. Having money to do all this helps, which would require that the Democrats have a more pro-business policy, which is not listed as one of their areas for reform. They should stop trying to recycle their existing people and resources and come up with a plan for the two regions where they have no strategy.

Isaan Bob

Bangkok