Thais need to understand what democracy really is

Referring to the forthcoming election, Abhisit Vejjajiva correctly stated that if electors made the same choice as in previous elections, they would get the same result. That’s a pretty logical statement but it’s not about the people changing their voting habits.
Nothing will change unless true democracy is established and the electorate understands that they will be voting for a government controlled by laws rather than by people. Unfortunately three years under military control has done little to rectify this vital issue. The majority of the electorate still believes that democracy is simply about their right to vote, but the right to vote is not a form of government. The right to vote is simply a means by which a government is elected.
Democracy is a form of government controlled by laws. The members of the government are controlled by the same laws as the people. Regardless of which political party is voted into power, it will be controlled by the same laws provided enforcement is not partisan. It was the failing of law enforcement that brought about the coup in 2014. The majority of the electorate voted for an oligarchy that regarded itself as the law while law enforcement was totally partisan; from the DSI to the police force, law enforcement was dysfunctional. When judgement was passed, the judges were physically attacked. The result was a failed state.
Khun Abhisit should address the fundamental issue not the allegiances of the electorate because they will not change, nor do they need to. The only way forward is a complete reform of the system of justice and the police force to create independent, apolitical law enforcement. The electorate must be afforded the right to choose its leaders.
JC Wilcox