Includes bibliographical references (pages 217-233) and index.
Contents:
Introduction: Historical legacy and the emergence of judicialisation in the Thai state / Saichon Sattayanurak. Understanding Thai conservatism / Michael K. Connors and Ukrist Pathmanand -- The Thai supra-constitution / Somchai Preechasilpakul -- Political discourse on Thai democracy / Nakharin Mektrairat -- National ideology and development of the Thai nation / Kramol Thongthammachart -- Thai-style democracy: concept and meaning / Chalermkiat Phiu-nuan -- Civilising the state: state, civil society and politics in Thailand / Pasuk Phongphaichit -- Royal power / Pramuan Rujanaseri -- Historical legacy and the emergence of judicialisation in the Thai state / Saichon Sattayanurak.
Summary:
Since Thailand's prolonged political crisis began with royalist mobilization against prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2005, international observers have been treated to easy clichés about reactionary Thai elites. The chapters in this book invite readers to hold back quick judgement and instead engage with the conservative norms of sections of the middle class, the military, intellectuals and state ideologues. The opening chapter by the editors provides a historical overview of relevant themes and introduces the translated pieces. It also argues that the concept of a supra-constitution, first introduced by legal scholar Somchai Preechasilpakul in a brilliant lecture to the Pridi Banomyong Institute in 2007, is a powerful frame for interpreting conservative Thai politics. Somchai's lecture, now translated here, explains that an unwritten supra-constitution sits above the many failed constitutions that litter Thai history. Like a guiding spirit it contains evolving norms on military and monarchical power which circumscribe democratic political contest.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.