The Glass Ceiling and the Political Roles of Thai Women in the Electoral System

Abstract

This article combined the documentary data and the interview with local leaders and politicians. This article aimed to present data and approach on the women roles in politics and also explained the idea of ‘The Glass Ceiling.’ It herein referred to a transparent boundary that can be seen, but impenetrable. It was a concept that described the inequality between women and men, and the inequality among minorities, who were hindered in terms of opportunity and rightful power. This deprivation, consequently, led to the gender inequality, as found in economic, political, social and cultural systems. The evident key conditions affecting the women’s opportunity to win the votes in election. It was a fundamental belief that having women to perform the role of Members of Parliament would impact the political situation, reduce conflicts, and create diversity in policy. The quota system should, therefore, be put in place as a law and should go hand in hand with the process of building values and embracing gender diversity. Political parties were the primary sources, which manage the proportion of their female representatives in elections. Ultimately, the aim of this proposition is to open up an equal political space, which is a true democratic development process.