Ethnic leadership and the politics of legitimacy: electoral practices in the Chinese diaspora in Thailand

Introduction The legitimacy and election processes of community leaders differ across nations due to cultural and ethnic influences. Despite their integration, Chinese community leaders in Thailand face challenges in gaining legitimacy. The study emphasizes how ethnic and culture impact leadership selection and acceptance, reflecting broader societal values and structures. Methods This study employs qualitative methods to understanding of Chinese diaspora perception and experience on electoral process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five Chinese diaspora and two Thai policy makers. This study used phenomenological techniques for its data analysis. Understanding these variations provides insight into the complexities of leadership legitimacy in multicultural societies. Results This study found that Chinese diaspora are aware of the government and organization rules and issues surrounding electoral process and have provided comprehensive insight on the solution to these issues. Discussion This research contributes to discussions on leadership, cultural identity, and social integration, offering a comparative perspective on how community leadership functions across diverse cultural landscapes.