Vote for change
Whatever way voters choose to place their support, critics believe there is still a strong desire for reform. Despite the lifting of economic sanctions, numerous cosmetic changes in the main cities, the influx of Western businesses, and some investment, the public has become disillusioned with the kind of resurgence they expected in the so-called transition to democracy.
Wilson told the ABC, “One of the problems that people certainly, almost unanimously, think is that the political ties between the ruling party and the military are a problem and that military impunity still exists and the military can get away with human rights abuses and other forms of bad behaviour that really concern people.”
In ethnic areas the lack of any real peace despite talks and ceasefires, the internal displacement of thousands due to the conflict between rebel groups and the government, and the refugees languishing in Thailand are also catalysts for a desire for change.