FNF Regional Director, Dr. Rainer Adam, Interviewed on Democracy and Change

The Friedrich Naumann’s director for Southeast & East Asia regional office gave an interview on democracy and change ahead of the launch of an annual film contest in Bangkok.

“Every democracy is constantly facing the challenge of change. At times, we have the illusion that we don’t need change, but people change. Sometimes, in longer time periods,” Dr. Rainer Adam said in the recent interview.

“But Democracy is not something which you have, and then it finishes. It’s a constant process. It’s a process where new people come in, new generations come in, new forces come in. From external forces, the challenges change and permanently you have to find, again, a new balance,” he added.

Change and conflict are inherent and inevitable aspects of democracy. “Democracy is a system for managing conflict peacefully. But people must accept it and have to submit to it,” Dr. Adam said in the interview with Mr. Pleethum Triyakasem of Rangkid Club.

With the support of the FNF, Rangkid Club is organising a movie competition in which young Thais are invited to produce a short movie on the topic of “Change” in the context of Thailand’s democracy. Details about the competition can be found at www.rangkid.com.

The FNF sponsorship of the contest reflects its commitment to the promotion of democracy, citizen involvement and freedom of expression.

To watch the interview, please click here.

To watch last year’s award-wining films on democracy, please click here.

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