Thailand General Election 2023: Candidates' Speeches and the Human Rights Agenda
2 April 2024
Amnesty International Thailand
Since the announcement of the dissolution of parliament for the general election on May 14, 2023, political parties have been rapidly advancing their campaigns to present their policies on politics, the economy, and society with the aim of representing the public in the House of Representatives. However, it is rare to see political parties prioritize human rights issues as part of their campaign policies.
As a human rights movement comprising ordinary people, Amnesty International Thailand, in collaboration with eight civil society organizations, organized “Election 2023: Candidates' Speeches, Human Rights Agenda.” This event called on all political parties to reveal their positions and commitment to human rights missions through policy implementation, advocacy, and practical action.
Fifteen political parties participated in the debate stages organized in Bangkok, with subsequent events in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Pattani, attracting significant attention from students, graduates, and the general public.
The Bangkok and Chiang Mai stages focused on civil and political rights, while the Pattani stage addressed economic, cultural, and social rights. The Khon Kaen stage equally emphasized civil and political rights, non-discrimination, governance, and anti-corruption measures.
Diverse Political Parties Participate in the Debate
Amnesty International Thailand's policy team, along with eight civil society organizations, met with representatives from four political parties, including the Palang Pracharath Party, Democrat Party, Move Forward Party, and Chart Thai Pattana Party.
The central stage event took place at the city square in front of Bangkok City Hall on April 20, 2023, with the participation of several political parties, including the Pheu Thai Party, Palang Pracharath Party, Thai Phakdee Party, Thai Liberal Party, Chart Thai Pattana Party, Democrat Party, Move Forward Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, Chart Pattana Kla Party, Commoners' Party, Equality Party, and Fair Party.
The northeastern stage was held at Bueng Si Than, Khon Kaen, on April 28, 2023, featuring parties such as the Move Forward Party, Thai Liberal Party, Commoners' Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, and Thai Pakdee Party.
The northern stage took place at Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai, on April 29, 2023, with participation from the Phalang Siam Party, Democrat Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, Move Forward Party, Commoners' Party, and Pheu Thai Party.
The southern stage was organized at the Cultural Plaza, Pattani, on May 6, 2023, with the Move Forward Party, Bhumjaithai Party, Prachachat Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, Democrat Party, Fair Party, Thai Liberal Party, and Palang Pracharath Party participating.
First-Time Voters
Recognizing the importance of engaging and educating first-time voters on human rights issues during elections, Amnesty International Thailand focused on setting debates on human rights policies among political parties. Before the debate stages began, the organization gathered feedback from children and youth, categorized into two age groups: under 18 years old and 18-25 years old. Based on these discussions, suggestions were developed to improve policies and presented to political parties, participants, and online platforms through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The debate stages across all four regions saw approximately 2,000 attendees, with the Pattani stage registering the highest number of participants, totaling 778.
Survey results showed that the Khon Kaen stage had the highest student participation at 48.9%, as it was the first and only debate staged within a university area, co-organized with the Faculty of Law club. Following Khon Kaen, the Pattani stage saw a 38.5% student attendance rate.
Although student participation was lower in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, students still formed a significant portion of the attendees, alongside citizens and civil society members.
Pattani had the highest percentage of first-time voters participating in the debate stage, at 59%, followed by Khon Kaen at 38.3%.
The survey also indicated varying interests in human rights issues across different regions, with Bangkok and Chiang Mai showing more interest in civil and political rights, Pattani in economic, cultural, and social rights, and Khon Kaen in a balanced interest across all areas.
The Human Rights Agenda debate stage was distinguished by its focus on human rights issues, allowing participants to understand the visions and positions of political leaders and parties. The activities were conducted impartially, with pointed questions from Amnesty International Thailand directly addressing key issues. Notably, the stage provided a platform for civil society to propose ideas to political parties.
Next Steps in Regional Human Rights Work
The organization of the Human Rights Agenda debate stages in the regions presents a significant opportunity for Amnesty International Thailand to collaborate with volunteers and members locally. This collaboration aids in better understanding Amnesty International Thailand's role and stance
