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In recent years Thailand has not been a stranger to repeated political turmoil. Since the time that Thailand became a constitutional monarchy in 1932, the country has existed under 18 constitutions and experienced 18 attempted or successful military coups, the last being in 2006 which saw the ousting of then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the subsequent banning of his Thai Rak Thai Party.
Voters in Thailand went to the polls on July 3, 2011, to vote in parliamentary elections for the House of Representatives (Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon) for the first time since 2007. The elections followed bloody street protests between Red Shirt activists and military personnel in Bangkok’s downtown financial district where 91 people were killed and hundreds more wounded in April and May of 2010. At the elections, voters gave a resounding victory to the Puea Thai Party with 44 percent of the vote, but with a 265 seat majority.
Given the recent history, and despite relatively calm elections on July 3, democracy in Thailand remains fragile. The commitment to democracy by all sides of politics, including the military, is yet to be proven for any sustained period in Thailand. There remains a risk that political actors or prominent national institutions could interfere with or suspend democratic institutions to advance their own cause.
IRI established an on-the-ground presence in Thailand in 2010. The Institute’s mission has been to conduct polls and share the results with political parties, the Election Commission and other interested Thai entities. IRI’s objective has been to use high-quality public opinion research to identify key issues and inform discussions with political parties so they can accurately address the needs of their constituencies.
