Women’s Political Participation in Thailand Women can make contributions to the nation’s future

Women’s Political Participation in the Past Before the Revolution of 1932, women engaged in home-based work and not allowed to participate in any part of state administration. When the country became a constitutional monarchy in 1932, women acquired the political rights, both in terms of exercising voting rights and participating in competition for political positions. Laws had been reviewed or adopted in order to improve gender equality and benefit women, for example the law on provincial administration was amended in 1982 to allow women to occupy sub-district headman (kam-nan) and village headman (phu-yai-ban) for the first time.

Women’s Political Participation in the Past Thailand was among the first Asian countries to grant political rights to women; however, compared to men, women was not visible in governance and politics. It took about 16 years before the first female candidate could win a seat in the National Assembly in 1949 and about 44 years before women could get appointed as ministers in 1976. What were the factors for this?

What are the factors obstructing women from politics? Attitudes and social values were behind the lack of female involvement in politics and state administration. Traditionally, Thai women had held a strong position in household affairs; therefore, not many Thai women had access to higher education and entered the work force. Even well-educated women working outside their home were still responsible for duties at home. These had an effect on women’s political engagement and the ratio of women’s political representation in the public arena.

Thailand Today Women’s rights are significantly developed, accepted and protected since the rapid socio-economic changes in recent decades have an effect on the country’s values, gender roles and attitudes towards the participation of women in politics. The Constitution, the national policy on empowerment of women and international agreements on women’s rights are major instruments to achieve gender equality and increase women’s leadership and political participation. In July 2011, Thailand elected its first female Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra.

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007) All people are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. Both men and women shall enjoy equal rights and liberty. (section 30) All people, men and women, young and old people, disabled and non-disabled people have the right to receive necessary and appropriate protection and aids from the State in a correct, speedy and fair manner under the directive principles in relation to legislation and the administration of justice. (section 40, 52, 81)

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007) Rights to participate in politics and the determination of national policies at both national and local levels. The State shall promote and support public participation with the consideration of close proportion between men and women. (section 87) A list of candidates of a political party for the election of members of the House of Representatives on a party-list representation basis shall be prepared with the consideration of appropriate opportunities and proportions as well as equality between men and women. (section 97)

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007) Rights to participate in politics and the determination of national policies at both national and local levels. The Senators Selection Committee shall select suitable persons from those nominated by several sectors in the Thai society. The selection is based on particular regard of knowledge, expertise or experience beneficial to the performance of duties of senators as well as sexual opportunities and equality. (section 114) In deliberation of a bill concerning children, youth, women, the elderly, the disabled or persons of infirmity, if the House of Representatives does not consider it by its full committee, the House shall appoint an ad hoc committee consisting of representatives from private organisations related to such types of persons, not less than one-third of the total number of committee members, with the basis of equality between men and women committee members. (Section 152)

Women’s Development Plan Issues of women’s development was initially inserted into the Third National Economic and Social Development Plan (1972 - 1976) The first long-term women’s development plan (1982 – 2001) was launched. These efforts were reinforced in accordance with the actions of the United Nations which declared the year 1975 as International Women's Year and the period from 1976 to 1985 as the Decade for Women : Equality, Development and Peace to encourage nations to promote the implementation of women issues.

The Women’s Development Plan The Women’s Development Plan in the Eleventh National Economic and Social Development Plan (2012 - 2016) The Plan was drawn up in accordance with the present Constitution. The Plan aims to make the Thai society more equal and fairer. It also intends to improve the quality of life for women and strengthens their confidence to enable them to participate in politics, administration and public decision-making process.

The Women’s Development Plan The Women’s Development Plan in the Eleventh National Economic and Social Development Plan (2012 - 2016) The Plan consists of five strategies as follows : to develop attitudes towards the equality of men and women; to enhance women’s capacity and support women’s economic and social participation; to improve women’s health and quality of life for stability in their life; to advance women’s empowerment for greater participation in politics, administration and public matters at both national and local levels; and to strengthen women’s organisations and mechanisms for women’s rights at all levels.

International Agreements on Women’s Rights Thailand has an obligation to fulfill and implement three international agreements at national level to promote equality between men and women in politics. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Moving towards ASEAN Community The Thai government needs to make a great effort to enhance the roles of women and help them enter the labour market by increasing women’s capacity and promoting equal access to education and the opportunity to develop personal ambitions and skills. The government shall concentrate on social protection and transnational crimes, especially human trafficking. This problem reflects a gender gap in the Thai society. The gender gap arose from a lack of gender equality in development. In the past, Thailand had focused on economic growth and infrastructure improvement rather than social policy and environmental issues. Accordingly, the promotion of morality, social ethics and generosity was less obvious in public policy to generate positive attitudes towards women.

Current Situation Women's Political Participation/Representation The current Constitution has given priority to public participation and has laid foundation for good governance that has resulted in greater political participation for all citizens. There are efforts towards changing laws and regulations discriminating against women on several issues such as female title and divorce. There are no barriers to women’s political and civil participation. The status of Thai women continues to improve. The number of women in politics at both national and local levels is growing slightly.

Source : Women’s Right to a Political Voice in Thailand, UNDP, 2006

Women in 2007 and 2011 Parliamentary Elections (House of Representatives)   Election Date Candidate Members of Parliament Men Women % of Women 23 December 2007 Constituency Proportion Total 3320 574 14.74 989 271 21.51 4309 845 16.39 351 49 12.25 73 7 8.75 424 56 11.67 3 July 2011 Party List 1997 425 17.55 1099 311 22.06 3096 736 19.20 315 60 16.00 106 19 15.20 421 79 15.80 Source : Office of the Election Commission

Women Elected/Selected to the House of Senate   Year of Election/Selection Members of the Senate % of Women Men Women Total 2000 179 21 200 10.5 2006 153 47 200 23.5 2008 Election Selection Total 64 12 76 62 12 74 126 24 150 15.8 16.21 16.00 Source : Office of the Election Commission

What are barriers to women’s political participation/representation ? Failures in shifting laws and official policy to practices - For example, provisions in the Constitution state only ‘with the consideration of appropriate opportunities, proportions or equality between men and women’, but not give a certain number/an exact proportion of women in political involvement. It means that the constitutional provisions do not provide the real effect of legal enforcement. Traditional attitudes - Societal attitudes towards gender fostering discrimination against women continue to prevail and hinder the full implementation of laws and public policy.

What are barriers to women’s political participation/representation ? A shortage of time - many women are still likely to be burdened with household and family responsibilities that will reduce time and opportunities they need to build key relations and a political base within their communities. A shortage of money - even though women have the right education and experience, they will not be able to achieve their political goals if they do not have sufficient funds to run for elections or to participate fully in community events. Unlike men, who have established networks and routes for entering politics, many women not know how to begin.

What we need? The strengthening of women’s capacity Collective work in partnership with all key players to ensure women’s supporting connection in public participation and a stronger voice in public affairs A good start to change the society’s attitudes towards women The deliberate efforts of the Government and political parties to invite women to join them.

The National Assembly of the Kingdom of Thailand THANK YOU The National Assembly of the Kingdom of Thailand