Publications

Referendum 2024 and the Way to Constitutional Amendment

Seminar proceeding on key insights, debates, and challenges surrounding different proposals to amend the Referendum Act and their possible impacts

The public seminar on 14 June 2024, "Referendum 2024 and the Way to Constitutional Amendment," culminates in this proceeding. This bilingual publication summarizes expert insights from the keynote speaker and panelists on the debates surrounding the proposals to amend the Referendum Act, and how this amendment could influence the constitutional amendment efforts. The paper also provides an executive summary and a synthesis of policy recommendations that emerged during the event. The seminar was co-organized by the Institute of Democratization Studies and King Prajadhipok's Institute, and received support from KAS Thailand.

Isra News Articles March-June 2024

Read Thai investigative reporting by Isra News Agency published between March and June 2024.

With the support of KAS Thailand, Isra News Agency brought to you the latest development on the issues of good governance, the rule of law, public policies, and environmental issues in Thailand between March and June 2024. All articles are in Thai with an English version of one article available.

Thailand's Quest for Democracy and the Rule of Law

Trials and setbacks since the formation of the government in 2023

After a decade under a military junta (2014-2019) and a military-dominated government (2019-2023), Thailand held a successful general election in May 2023. The results signaled a rejection of pro-military and conservative factions. The Pheu Thai Party (PTP), which came second in the election, formed a coalition government with eleven other parties, including conservative and military-aligned factions such as the United Thai Nation (UTN) led by former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who had ousted a PTP government in the 2014 coup. Meanwhile, the election winner, the progressive and reform-oriented Move Forward Party (MFP), remains in opposition despite winning 14 million out of around 39 million votes nationwide, making it the largest faction in the National Assembly with 151 MPs. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his ministers have emphasized Thailand’s commitment to democratic principles. However, in its annual report on political rights and civil liberties published in March 2024, Freedom House rated Thailand as only "partly free", giving the country a score of 36 out of 100.¹ This Country Report presents Thailand’s challenges and efforts in pursuing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law since the 2023 government formation.

Citizen's Manual to Electronic Administrative Court Procedures

Innovation in Rule of Law

The Office of the Administrative Courts of Thailand, with support from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Thailand Office, has created a "Citizen's Manual to Electronic Administrative Court Procedures." (in Thai). This guide helps both citizens and relevant government agencies understand and fully utilize the e-Admincourt system.

Model and Directions for Electing Governors that are Appropriate for Transitional Era in Thailand

The publication seeks to impart knowledge for the advancement of decentralization, local governance, and the potential implementation of governor election in Thailand. The data was gathered from findings of action research conducted by the Promotion of Local Administration Foundation (PLAF) with the support of KAS.

Dialogue Programs with German MPs on the EU-ASEAN as Strategic Partners for Growth and Prosperity

Report of the Visits in Bangkok, Thailand

Read below the full reports of the visits of Dr. Stefan Heck, Mr. Johannes Steiniger, and Mr. Gunther Krichbaum, Members of the German Bundestag.

Challenges of Social Protection Policy Implementation

Findings and Policy Recommendations on Social Protection for the Vulnerable Population in Northeastern Thailand

Socio-economic growth in the inclusive and sustainable manner has been one of the focal points in the framework objectives of Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS). According to Germany’s Social Market Economy Principle, the development of society and economics of one country needs to encompass with equality, fair competition, and opportunity for everyone to prosper. Especially for the vulnerable population, the government must not leave them behind and should regularly improve the related policies, measures, and services to protect, empower, and include them in the country’s development.

Digital Local Governance

Empowering Local Government Officials on Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity

Since the outbreak of covid-19, online applications and computer software have played a more important role in maintaining people’s everyday life. Though the effect of the pandemic has been less severe than before, it is undeniable that digitalization has become more necessary and will be a crucial factor for the development of one country. For the part of public services, the government agencies are required to improve their operations continuously to meet the needs of the citizens.

Beyond PM2.5

Environmental Justice and Insight Urban Solution for the Next Generation

Every year, air pollution known as PM2.5 occurs in Thailand, particularly in the north. It has caused hardship affecting both socio-economics and public health. Meanwhile, climate change is one of the factors contributing to the deterioration of the situation, such as longer periods of smog season caused by drought. Environmental justice as a component of the solution, viewed through the lens of climate change challenges along with insight into the urban solution and the voice of the citizens, may provide some light on the right to breathe.

Isra News Articles of November 2023

Read Thai investigative reporting by Isra News Agency published in November 2023

With the support of KAS Thailand, Isra News Agency brought to you the latest development in Thailand's good governance, rule of law, public policies, and social and environmental issues in the month of November 2023. All articles are in Thai with an English version of one article available.