PERSPECTIVES ON THE PATRONAGE SYSTEM AND DEMOCRACY IN THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

Thai society may be influenced by the patronage system in which Thai people are often
trained to be familiar with the terms adults and minors. The younger must treat the elders with respect,
obedience and consideration. Failure to do so, those who are younger may be blamed or criticized. At
the same time, the adults/older may be expected by the minors to behave, act or treat the
younger/subordinates appropriately, generously, and helpfully. Relationships like this breed the values
of filial piety, gratitude or reciprocal deeds—one does something with expectation to gain something in
return. The patronage system, therefore, impedes and weakens democracy and good governance,
especially as regards equality and egalitarianism. The patronage system contains the characteristics of
being the bosses and subordinates or being the adults and minors. These statuses are led to some
privileges, bribery, and legal circumvention/distortion that will be ensued by corruption. In contrast to
patronage system, democracy enhances the people’s awareness of and respect to the others’ opinions
and rights of others. Additionally, democracy also promotes the perception and appreciation of human’s
values i.e. every human being should be treated equally while the public interests must be taken into
account; people’s enthusiastic participation in joining the societal activities while complying with and
respecting the social regulations. Advocated by the democratic doctrines, these people’s traits will be
nourished and treasured: creative audacity and assertiveness, tolerance to varied ideas/beliefs/features,
freedom, integrity/responsibility, just egalitarianism, and public consciousness, etc.
Keywords : Patronage system, Democracy, Thai society