Economic Crisis and Political Crisis in Thailand: Past and Present

泰國的經濟與政治危機：過去與現在

自從1932年由君主專制政體改變為議會民主及君主立憲國家後，泰國見證了許多的經濟及政治危機。本文強調基於社會及歷史脈絡下的泰國憲法改革：泰國由於經濟及社會的騷動，分別導致1997年及2007年的修改憲法。儘管泰國的經濟危機可以歸咎於世界的經濟衰退，但經濟的低迷也觸發了泰國政治危機，諸如大規模的社會衝突以及政變等事件，並被世界廣為報導。本文指出那些憲法改革的觸媒，並且經由檢視泰國政治對立及社會不安的原因及根源，提供了解決方案及未來社會改革的途徑以化解政治對立。此外，過去的改革與危機，揭露了建立一個被人民所接受且信賴之民主體制的必要性—一個能允許人民發聲、並杜絕私人操控以謀求私益的體制。健全的政治改革是民主體制若想長久運行所不可或缺的，泰國在改革時必須考慮到長遠利益，及保障社會各階層人民的利益。

Thailand has seen a number of economic and political crises since 1932 when its political system changed from absolute monarchy to parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. This Article addresses the Constitutional reforms in light of the social and historical backgrounds of Thailand; where the turbulent social-economical landscape of Thailand led to the adaptations of the 1997 Constitution and 2007 Constitution respectively. While the economic crisis in Thailand could be attributed to worldwide economic recession, the economic downturn also triggered political crisis in Thailand where the large scale of social disruptions and coups were reported worldwide. This Article identifies the factors that trigger the Constitutional reforms, and by examining the roots and causes of political division and social instability in Thailand, the article offers solutions and possible routes of future social reforms to resolve the political divide. Moreover, the lessons from the past reforms and crisis highlight the need for an installation of acceptable and accountable democratic system, one that allows people to voice their concerns, and one that is resistant to manipulation for private gains. A comprehensive political reform is essential for a sustainable democracy, where Thailand must take into consideration of its long term interests, and how to protect people’s interests across all sectors of society.