Supporting Social Democracy

 

Strengthening democratic institutions and rules

Democratic rules and mechanisms are the basic framework for a peaceful competition between interests and policy approaches. Effective institutions and binding rules are essential for democratic political processes and powerful tools to prevent social conflicts. The legitimacy of democratic institutions needs to be strengthened. A general acceptance of these rules enables compromise, permitting majority rule while the rights of the minority are protected. FES supports the reform of party and electoral laws in view of strengthening legitimacy and stability of these key institutions.

Civic education

There can be no democracy without convinced democratic citizens. Citizens need to be empowered to be able to critically follow public debate, monitor political stakeholders, articulate their views, and act on behalf of their interests. FES supports the development of a coherent civic education system, and contributes to the building of capacity with numerous workshops, seminars and trainings.

Free and Responsible Media  

The media play a key role in monitoring the democratic process and providing information to the public. In Thailand, the media sector itself is subject of the conflict, and faces pressures from all sides. FES supports the reform of the legal and political framework in order to provide the necessary conditions for free and responsible journalism. We help to build the capacity of stakeholders, empowering them to gather and distribute balanced and quality information.

 

Democratic Security Sector Governance

The strengthening of governance of the security sectors, namely accountability and transparency, is a way to improve the legitimacy of security providing institutions and actors. FES facilitates dialogue between all stakeholders with an aim to develop a Thai model of security sector governance.