Poll is a test of courage

Thailand has now entered election campaign mode, with barely a month before the next general election takes place on Feb 8.

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For the first time in 15 years, the Senate will no longer have a role in selecting the prime minister. This development enhances the democratic component of the poll. Yet old habits of Thai-style democracy die hard. Political parties are again campaigning on giveaways, reflecting Thai politics' entrenched reliance on short-term populism.

Politicians have renewed promises of cash injection schemes, debt moratoriums or outright debt cancellation, cheaper transport fees, promises of lower electricity prices, fuel costs and overall living expenses. If all these promises were deliverable, Thailand would resemble a welfare state more generous than many advanced economies.