Page 16 - เอกสารประกอบการประชุมวิชาการ ครั้งที่ 23

การประชุมวิชาการ 1
สถาบันพระปกเกล้า ครั้งที่ 23
ประชาธิปไตยในภูมิทัศน์ใหม่

resulted in new forms of people’s participation, whether becoming political party

supporters, or in some cases founding political parties. Besides, the progress of
information technology also contributes to the diversity of social media, which
allows people of every generation to access information through various forms of
media, resulting in obvious changes in attitudes towards society and politics.

There are various phenomena in many dimensions that can be seen in
Thailand and other democratic countries. For example, there have been changes in
populism, which previously was aimed at the grassroots, but has recently
accommodated the business sector; intensification of law on political authority and

voting; or even the overthrowing of political systems in some countries. Also,
the Covid-19 crisis has activated a new form of governance and authority by using
technology and new-normal norms, while the people are calling for better, effective
crisis management and social security against the pandemic with minimal impact on

their rights and freedoms.

These factors are changing the Thai democratic monarchy’s landscape, and
create challenges for all political institutions. Governance should be more transparent
and respond to people’s needs. Political parties, which are considered as the tools

for the exercise of political power, must accommodate people’s needs with proper
policy and operations. The government must conform to people’s participation.
The judicial system must adapt its role to protect people on the basis of democracy

and citizens’ rights and freedoms.

King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI), as a leading academic institute aiming to
develop sustainable democracy and good governance for the benefit of the people,
has recognized this important issue. Therefore, KPI is organizing the 23rd KPI

Congress as a public forum for all those who are interested to share knowledge,
experience, and wisdom about the changing democratic landscape, and the future
prospects for democracy.