Dr. Suwit calls for political innovation: Thailand needs new paths!

Dr. Suwit calls for political innovation: Thailand needs new paths!

On October 28, 2025, an exciting event will take place that is expected to bring a breath of fresh air to Thailand's political landscape. Dr. Suwit Masinthree, former Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, was invited by the Democratic Party to take part in a discussion titled “What does Thailand need from political parties?” to participate. The aim of this Vienna is to talk about the role of political parties and to develop a better understanding of citizens' expectations. Dr. Suwit calls this meeting a “political innovation” and emphasizes that it is time to fundamentally rethink the political culture in Thailand.

More than 90 years after the first government change, there is an ongoing cycle in Thai politics that often sees governments change, but not the culture behind it. Dr. is critical. Suwit on the machinations, which range from constant power struggles to the growing alienation of citizens. He calls for a new political landscape in which the state acts as a learner and political parties act as institutions of shared learning that reflect the diversity of the population. “Citizens are not just viewed as voters, but are actively involved in the political process,” is his credo.

A look at the challenges

Another major player in Thai politics is Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader of the Move Forward Party, which achieved notable success in 2023 elections. Despite his 312 out of 500 votes in the coalition government, various political currents, including the military-appointed Senate, prevented him from taking over as prime minister. Pita even received a court order forcing him to leave parliament just 15 minutes before a crucial vote. After his party was banned, Pita, now banned from politics for ten years, will continue to fight for democracy and plans to support young leaders.

Pita describes Thailand's political structure as a "borderline competitive autocracy" that allows elections whose results often do not reflect the will of the people. A constant alternation between military coups and constitutional changes characterizes the country's politics, which happens every seven years. Pita calls for demilitarization and decentralization to strengthen the influence of small and medium-sized companies and thus achieve more diversity in the political debate.

The path to democratization

What does the future of Thai democracy look like? Pita is concerned that voter turnout has fallen sharply - from 78% in 2023 to 55% in the last provincial election in January 2025. This development potentially heralds an alarming time for Thai civil society, which is called upon to participate in politics despite vibrant non-governmental organizations and a strong community. In order to regain the trust of citizens, it is crucial to reform structures and create opportunities for participation.

Dr. Suwit and Pita are therefore voices in a dynamic political maelstrom. Their visions could become a crucial turning point for Thailand in returning to an open and inclusive political culture. The international inspiration that the new approach promises can be seen in examples such as Taiwan and Estonia, where citizen participation and participation have become the norm.

Thailand faces a challenge that goes far beyond politics: it is time to usher in a social and cultural era that offers more than just ballot boxes - an era that truly puts citizen engagement at the center. The upcoming discussions could be the first step in a new direction.