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Thailand : State-Building, Democracy and Globalization
Title : Thailand : State-Building, Democracy and Globalization
Author: Chai-Anan Samudavanija
Price: 210 Baht
Publisher: Institute of Public Policy Studies
Distribute : Kinokuniya Book Store, Emporium Shopping Complex (3rd floor), Isetan Departmentstore (6th floor) Worldtrade Center
The book is a unique selection of Prof. Dr. Chai-Anan Samudavanja studies of Thai politics presented to international audiences between 1989 to 2002 in which was divided into three parts. Part one is the definition of a theoretical and conceptual framework of democracy and democratization in Asia. Part two reveals the development of the Thai nation state and the creation of its state identity, followed by a very comprehensive analysis of the historical, political and economic framework of the development of democracy in Thailand including a comparative assessment of the process of democratization in Asia, focusing on the key issue of the independence of democratization and economic development. External factors such as security issues, cultural forces, and the role of foreign aids as influences affecting prospects for democratization are also considered. Part three is an analyzes of the impact of the phenomenon of globalization on Thai politics, including the relationship between globalization and good governance.
As the author has concluded in his epilogue that looking back over the long years of political struggling he was glad that Thai democracy has broken the “vicious cycle ” and is now celebrating the “decade of Coup-free politics”. The 1997 Constitution has opened more political space for civic groups to protect and enhance their communal rights through new independent organs while economic and social forces are now major contestants in the political arena. The current constitutional regime is based on a mixed system of checks and balances between conventional political institutions and nonpartisan, independent constitutional organs.
Being an active participant in most important political events throughout turbulent period during the past decade, Dr. Chai-Anan had made several political prediction that has proved accurate. In this last essay, he made another significant political prediction which is waiting to become true, or not, in a highly dynamic democratic manner.
From : http://www.fpps.or.th
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