Lobbying in Politics on Democratic Regime

Abstract

This article aims to present the forms and characteristics of lobbying, including the characteristics of lobbyists, in order to gain knowledge and understanding of lobbying in the Thai political system under a democratic regime, in terms of both benefits and negative aspects, using a documentary research method in the form of historical research and the context of current Thai political society. The results of the study found that lobbying in the Thai political system under a democratic regime occurs at all political levels, local, regional, and national, based on the principle of majority legitimacy or majority vote, through lobbying, negotiation, and using influence to make decisions that affect politics, governance, public administration, and political business. Lobbying in the Thai political system can be found in 2 ways: direct and indirect. These 2 types of lobbyists are: Direct lobbyists are politicians who act to approve, vote, and support the enactment of laws to be enforced, and set government/public policies to be implemented. Indirect lobbyists are the people who persuade them to participate in politics, to push for or oppose government administration by calling for protests, holding referendums, etc. Lobbying in Thailand is supported by the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2560, with the intention of benefiting all Thai people. At the same time, negative lobbying is: It is a process that leads to corruption according to the principles of good governance.