Agricultural Policy and Campaign Strategies in Thailand’s 2023 General Election: An Analysis of the Thai State’s Approach to Food Sovereignty and Food Security

Abstract

This study examines the electoral campaign strategies in Thailand’s 2023 general election through an analysis of agricultural policies proposed by eight major political parties. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study relies primarily on documentary research, incorporating both primary and secondary sources, and utilizes descriptive analysis to systematically synthesize key policy issues.

The research results found that the findings reveal that most political parties prioritized short-term agricultural solutions such as debt moratoria, income guarantees, and input subsidies. These approaches reflect a populist orientation in which the state assumes direct responsibility for addressing farmers’ hardships. Simultaneously, some parties maintained a conservative policy framework, avoiding structural reforms related to resource distribution while relying on local patronage networks to retain their electoral base. Moreover, many parties employed emotional appeals such as anger, fear, and hope as strategic tools to mobilize popular support. This indicates that electoral competition in Thailand is not merely a contest over economic issues but also reflects deeper ideological struggles over food justice and political legitimacy, shaped by divergent value systems.