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Published on March 18, 2008

There can be no bystanders in a genuine democracy, and citizens must do more to democratise the Kingdom, says political scientist and former student activist Seksan Prasertkul.

"If people don't become proactive, they cannot expect to see a secure democracy. Crisis can spread beyond control only when a society is weak," Seksan said.

He was speaking at the annual awards ceremony for outstanding corporate good governance among small and medium-sized enterprises.

"If a society is more into religion, monasteries will be provided by the state. But if people are into gambling, the state will provide gambling dens," Seksan said.

Seksan stressed the need for all citizens to become active and exert their political rights. Power relations depend not only on how those in power wield it, but also how those at the receiving end respond and react to it.

Merely to bow down to abuse of power would be tantamount to being an accomplice to it.

"[A citizen's] role is not limited to voting," Seksan said."

A good society requires that people become active, in order to ensure that the state carries out its duties."

As long as active citizenry is not achieved, political power will remain in the hands of the elite.

"The more we have unparticipatory democracy, the more we will have domination by the state," he said.

However, Seksan said being active alone was not enough.

The art of constructive dialogue is urgently needed among groups with diverse political views and interests.

"The main concern of our time is not how to mould everyone to have the same view, but rather how to create a system that will deal with differences and enable all to coexist in peace and creativity," Seksan said. "In my opinion, this is perhaps a more urgent task than is economic development."

Individualism and growing inequality mean that the differences are not being mended.

Seksan said that in 2006, the top 20 per cent income earners in Thai society were 14.66 times richer than the bottom 20 per cent.

That means there is one state but two very different societies in Thailand. This comes with differing views and needs and makes it impossible to represent national interests fairly.

"Thai society is becoming ungovernable," he said.

"The political arena has become a venue for the richest elements to defend their own vested interests. Thus what is needed is a just exercise of power."

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation