For a mere Bt100 a year, you belong

Thailand adopted a Western-style democracy more than 80 years ago, but there remain significant shortcomings in the way this long-established form of governance is conducted here. 
In spite of the 19 coups and attempted coups interrupting the public’s learning curve in that time, there have also been 25 general elections, with another one expected to take place in February.  Yet, one significant shortcoming in Thailand is the absence of a strong political-party system. What we have is unfortunately often badly damaged in the wake of coups. It is imperative that political parties are rebuilt with strong grass-roots followings in the latest bid to return to the democratic path. However, history shows that the majority of Thai voters are hardly loyal to their political affiliations, though parts of southern Thailand might represent exceptions.
Overall, the coming election affords a good opportunity to instil a sense of belonging among potential voters in terms of being members of political parties.
According to current legislation governing political parties, all members are required to pay a membership fee of Bt100 per year. Proponents say this fee requirement is one of the key features that help boost people’s participation in parties’ decision-making process, as well as in elections and in other important civic duties under a system of democratic governance.
 The mandatory fee requirement is also a safeguard against rich people and politicians dominating the parties.  And it serves as a mechanism against abuses by political parties intent on getting state subsidies based on the number of registered members they have.
Critics of the mandatory fee requirement, on the other hand, view it as a barrier against poor people joining political parties, and even unconstitutional because it allegedly violates a basic right of every citizen.
Overall, the requirement should be seen as one that will further develop the democratic governance system as well as free and fair elections in the long run.
One of the most important requirements in a functioning democratic regime is the quality and qualifications of the majority of voters who, in an ideal scenario, are those who pay taxes and regularly attend to their civic duties. 
While all Thai voters do pay taxes, directly or indirectly via income, consumption and other ways, most of them need to be more politically active, with a clear sense of belonging to their preferred affiliations.
In this context, a yearly Bt100 membership fee serves as a powerful symbol of belonging and hopefully it will eventually encourage more voters to assert themselves in a more meaningful way against the backdrop of Thailand’s long-established patronage society. 
Only when political party members and voters understand their duties and exercise their constitutional rights can the country aspire to have a functioning democracy that is not dominated by corrupt and incompetent politicians.
The country also needs a new cycle of elected leaders who are fundamentally supported by genuine members of their political parties, who knowingly assert their rights and who will likely have a loud voice, either for or against any crucial decisions made by their political parties’ leaders.