(DOWNLOAD) "Thaksin and the Politics of Domestic and Regional Consolidation in Thailand." by Contemporary Southeast Asia # eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Thaksin and the Politics of Domestic and Regional Consolidation in Thailand.
- Author : Contemporary Southeast Asia
- Release Date : January 01, 2004
- Genre: Politics & Current Events,Books,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 286 KB
Description
Introduction: Thai Politics and Foreign Policy (1988-2001) Chatichai Choonhavan's election and subsequent appointment as Prime Minister of Thailand in August 1988 marked a major turning point in Thai domestic politics and foreign policy. Despite having a military background as a Major General, Chatichai secured his victory through the Chart Thai (Thai Nation) Party that he had founded. Chatichai also had a long association with the Thai Foreign Ministry and was a businessman when he was elected into office. His election effectively ended the direct involvement of the Thai military in domestic politics by displacing Prem Tinsulanond, his predecessor and an ex-army commander who had led the country from 1980-88. Beginning with Kriangsak Chomanan in 1979, army commanders "retired" from their military appointments before being "invited" by successful political parties to lead the government. This convenient arrangement allowed the military to retain unobtrusive control over the levers of government and placate rising social consciousness that favoured civilian democratic governance. For the political parties, it deflected the possibility of being forced out of office by coups, a recurrent feature of Thai politics in the 1970s. In fact, General Prem himself deflected two coup attempts in 1981 and 1986 through the active support of loyal military units and the monarchy. His continuing political influence may be measured by the fact that he is a senior Privy Councillor to the King and his interventions and pronouncements are often regarded as representative of the royal position on domestic matters.