THAI-STYLE DEMOCRACY AND MORAL POLITICS

Abstract

Objectives of this academic paper were to analyze and critique the power relationship between the concept of Thai democracy and moral politics within the scope of the content that focuses on exploring the use of morality as a tool of the state to control and direct the political space of citizens in Thai society. The article pointed out that the concept of Thai democracy is not just an endemic cultural framework. Rather, it is used to legitimize authoritarian regimes through a definition of morality monopolized by the state or elite groups. Morality in this way has been made into a single unquestionable standard and is cleverly applied through public policy. This leads to a reduction in freedom of thought. Diversity and Equal Participation of Citizens Moral politics in the Thai context is an ideological process that does not open the space for criticism or debate on the set of moral values defined by the state. It presents Buddhist conceptual frameworks such as Dharma, non-attachment to the ego, and freedom from fear as a tool to question the moral monopoly of the state. and pushing morality back to the area of bargaining. Criticism and true citizen participation. New knowledge through the pillar of political morality, which consists of the principle of critical ability. These four pillars can be used as a policy framework for designing a democracy that allows for a diverse moral coexistence in a sustainable manner in contemporary democracies.