Abstract:
This thesis aims to study development and nature of political parties in general and to use its findings as a base to analyse political party laws in Thailand. It has been found that political parties, as one of the most important mechanisms in Democracy. Linking the will of the electorate and the responsiveness of political institutions, are parts of political process in each society which cannot be created by laws. They contribute to enhance peoples participation in political process and, therefore, create stability in political system. But as to that political parties, their role is restricted by both political parties laws and related legislation. These laws are major cause of obstacle to political development because they aim to overcontrol parties without any measures to promote their proper role. It is therefore necessary that these laws be either abrogated or amended so as to let parties be free in conducting political activities. Moreover, there should be legal measures to provide financial support for them.