Thailand: Orathai Kokpol Electoral Politics in Thailand Orathai Kokpol Introduction Thailand’s new constitution of 1997(B.E. 2540) set down new rules and a framework for various fundamental changes in the Thai political and administrative system. As such, great hopes for political reform towards sustainable democracy have been pinned on it. In particular, elections, as a necessary condition for democracy, have changed significantly. The intention is to have more open, fair and meaningful elections, as well as recruit qualified politicians into the political system. Moreover, elections are seen as a key mechanism for establishing new politics in Thailand. In the first election under this new system, that for the House of Representatives on 6 January 2001, positive steps were taken to meet these objectives. This chapter explores the new electoral system and evaluates the extent to which the performance of this new system contributes to political development towards democracy in Thailand. The chapter argues that the new electoral system and the outcome of the first elections have been inspiring for political transformation. The new electoral system serves to establish a standard for clean and fair elections, while the outcome of the elections that have taken place has contributed to several major changes in the Thai political system, such as a generation shift in the political sphere and the development of political parties. However, there is still a need for improvement in the administration of electoral processes and in the provision of political education, especially to the rural public. To set this in context the chapter begins with a look at the historical development of politics and elections in Thailand before the introduction of the new constitution. Historical Development The first significant change in Thailand’s political regime was in June 1932 when a group of junior army, navy and civilian officers(mainly Western­educated), calling themselves the People’s Party, staged a coup d’état. Their demand was for a change from absolute to constitutional monarchy. Determined to avoid any bloodshed, King Prajadhipok(Rama VII[1925-1935]) agreed to the abolition of absolute monarchy and a transfer of power to a constitution­based system of government. On 10 December 1932, King Prajadhipok signed Thailand’s first constitution, thus ending 800 years of absolute monarchy. 277