Thailand’s political landscape took an intriguing turn a few months after the May General Election, with Mr. Srettha Thavisin being sworn in on 5th September 2023 as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand alongside his cabinet. Later, on 11th September, PM Thavisin delivered his Policy Statement to the National Assembly underpinning policy priorities for Thailand’s next chapter, including broadened rights and equality, advancement of digital economy, and commitment to sustainable development
IN the realm of politics and diplomacy alike, the integrity of the process is as essential as the outcomes themselves. Earlier this year, the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore organised the 2023 General Election (GE) for Thai nationals registered for overseas voting. Following extensive preparations and close coordination with Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Office of the Election Commission, the Embassy conducted overseas voting in Singapore on the weekend of April 29-30, 2023, on its grounds on Orchard Road.
Singapore is the second home to 22,000 Thai nationals, ranking among the top 10 countries for Thai expatriates. This diverse Thai community in Singapore comprises a vibrant mix of individuals, including Thai laborers in the construction and manufacturing sectors, professionals employed by multinational corporations (MNCs) or international tech startups, students, and those who have relocated to Singapore to be with their families. Approximately 4,000 individuals registered online for overseas voting in Singapore, representing various provinces and constituencies.
When the designated voting days arrived, it was encouraging to witness a remarkable turnout of 86.36% among registered voters, one of the highest turnout rates for the 2023 GE around the world. These two days provided an exceptional opportunity for Embassy officials to engage with the Thai diaspora, who voiced their approval of the seamless and orderly voting procedures and commended the excellent service provided by on-site staff. Despite the relatively small number of Thai officials, approximately 30 in total, representing all facets of the Embassy and Thai government offices in Singapore, known as “Team Thailand”, the Embassy received valuable support from volunteers within the Thai community, the Labor Volunteers group, and former Embassy staff members. These dedicated individuals generously devoted their time from early morning to late evening to support the election process. This also served as a testament to Thai identity and the unifying spirit of the Thai community in Singapore. These remarkable individuals extended their support in various ways, their grace and warmth shining through. Experiencing this sense of unity, particularly while residing far from their homeland, was profoundly heartwarming.
The Thai Embassy is deeply appreciative of this strong sense of community that is found here in Singapore.
Source: IN Diplomacy Issue 89. To read the issue click here
