Electoral Participation by Southern Thai Buddhists and Muslims

Abstract

Data obtained from a probability sample of Buddhists and Muslims in four southern Thai provinces indicate that cultural differentiation along religious lines had little impact on political attitudes, opinions, or participation during the March 1992 parliamentary elections. Although educational and economic status strongly influence political interest and knowledge, Muslims compensate for their lower income and educational positions and equal Buddhists in their political orientations. Analysis of the data draws distinctions between Thai-speaking Muslims and those who speak primarily Malay as the language of the home. In identifying with political parties, Thai-speaking Muslims are more similar to Buddhists than to Malay-speaking Muslims. The data are consistent with a highly attentive public, committed to electoral politics for accomplishing pluralist goals.