On one hand, the "left," who had Marxist, communist or socialist tendencies refused to accept NPOs, strongly accusing them of intoxicating the people by just providing social welfare or solving trivial problems, not aiming to really change the unfair structure of the society. This accusation has continued until today even though NPOs never refuse to help them in time of difficulties.
On the other hand, the "right" was always suspicious of NPOs. Elements of the state, especially the military and security agencies, never trust then, accusing them to be agitators or troublemakers who mobilize grassroots people against the government and stir up the society into chaotic, unrest situation. Even after the insurgency activities of the CPT effectively ended in 1980 and the subsequent collapse of the party itself, some security people and the far right still regard NPOs as a new form of communists till the present day.
Legislation and policy related constraints
Recognition of organizations under the law tends to be rather rigid. Officially recognised groups fall into such categories as foundations, associations, cooperatives and unions, and are bound by many clauses and limitations. For example, a minimum endowment fund of 500,000 Baht (or 200,000 Baht for organizations with cultural, educational and recreational objectives) is required for establishment of a foundation, and a large membership is required for an association. This has resulted in most of grassroots organizations and advocacy groups not registering with the government, and consequently not having access to most government funds.
Some have observed that it would be hard for the civic movement to grow as long as it has no influence in the making of legislation. Presently, some legislations still pose obstacles to the work of civic groups. These include the Central Administrative Act, Provincial Administrative Act, Local Administrative Act and Municipal Administrative Act, all of which concede little money, power and work. The Budget Act is highly centralized and all funds/budgetary allocations are centered at each ministry before being distributed to various departments and sections.14
There also exist many other regulations that reflect the domineering role of the state which tells its subjects to do what it likes. Somkit (1997) points out that before civic groups can grow smoothly, these laws need to be changed.
3.3 Expectations and evaluations of NPOs
Opportunities
Fast changing situations in the past 4-5 years have created a few important opportunities for NPOs in Thailand15.
1) Globalization and Progress in Information Technology
Advancement in telecommunication makes possible fast and mass flow of capital all around the world under the free trade and market system, resulting in the government being weakened and unable to protect interests of the people. At the same time, growth of civil society and democracy, power decentralization and financial distribution, recognition of popular wisdom and local culture, and quest for gender equality, for instance, most of which are championed by CSOs, have also become a global trend.
2) The Economic Crisis
The current Economic Crisis has created an appropriate opportunity for NPOs to present their concept, policy and models of self-reliance, strengthen grassroots groups/organizations and declare their social standing.
