The Parliamentary Centre in Thailand

Thai Parliamentarians Visit Canada to Study Public Consultation and Conflict Management

Thai Parliamentarians have an important role to play in their ongoing effort to improve consultation with and engagement of the public, Thai Parliamentarians expressed a desire to learn from the Canadian experience. In response, the Parliamentary Centre in cooperation with the King Prajadhipok's Institute organized a study tour to Canada for Members of the Thai Parliament in October of 2002. The study tour took place with the generous support of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and was led by Speaker of the Thai House of Representatives, Mr. Uthai Pimjaichon. The delegates first arrived in Ottawa and later travelled to Victoria to meet and discuss with experts from Royal Roads University.

The goal of the study tour was to promote the principles and practices of good governance and democracy in Thailand by strengthening the representative capacity of the Parliament through the sharing of information.

The objectives of the study tour were:

• To familiarize Thai parliamentarians with Canadian approaches to public participation and the parliamentary hearing process
  
  
• To initiate Thai parliamentarians to the theories of conflict resolution and consensus building and increase their knowledge of Canadian practices in conflict management.
  
  
• To enhance the knowledge of Thai parliamentarians to the Canadian parliamentary and democratic process
  
  
• To increase knowledge on the management of natural resources industries through conflict management
  
  

Emphasis was placed on an equitable presentation of Canadian experiences and included both its strengths and shortcomings. This approach ensured that the participants received an overview of the Canadian system but were also made aware that the Canadian parliament itself is continuously evolving to meet the demands associated with conflict management and including the public in policy development. Meetings were arranged with government departments, Members and senior officials of the Canadian Parliament, non-governmental organizations, independent commissions, industry representatives, and with academics knowledgeable in the field of public consultation and conflict management.

In the end, the study tour was successful in exposing delegates to Canada's parliamentary system and provided a comprehensive overview of the features of effective public consultation and conflict management methodologies. The delegates reported that they had gained valuable tools and practices that they could implement in Thailand. Furthermore, through discussion and dialogue, the delegates communicated that Thailand faces many similar challenges to Canada and emphasized key opportunities for future collaboration and cooperation.

For additional information, please contact Christine Ivory or Imran Arshad.