Abstract:
This study aimed to examine the political factors, namely political communication, political marketing, and social factors in relation to the institutionalization of political parties in Thailand. It investigated the characteristics of these three political factors that influenced party institutionalization, and developed policy recommendations to enhance political communication, political marketing, and social factors in support of the institutionalization of Thai political parties A mixed methods approach was employed, combining in depth interviews with key informants and quantitative data collection. The population consisted of eligible voters from the 2023 general election and 2,400 voters were selected, data were gathered using questionnaires as the primary research instrument.
The findings revealed that all three political factors which included political communication, political marketing, and social factors had a statistically significant positive relationship with the institutionalization of Thai political parties. In particular, political communication that was transparent, inclusive, and encouraged public participation played a crucial role in building trust and long-term party sustainability. In addition, political marketing that focused on meeting citizens needs and creating a clear party identity, as well as social factors including education level, information accessibility, and role of social networks, significantly influenced party institutionalization. For policy recommendation, the development of political institutionalization of Thai political parties must employ appropriate methods and processes that balance political communication, political marketing, and social factors.
Keywords: political communication, political marketing, social factors, institutionalization of Thai political parties