FREE ESSAY ON THAILAND: POLITICAL CULTURE

THAILAND: POLITICAL CULTURE

INTRODUCTION
For us to be able to study political culture, it is imperative that we first learn how to
define it. Political culture refers to the attitudes, beliefs and values, which underpin
the operation of a particular political system. These were even seen as including the
knowledge and skills about the political system, positive and negative emotional feelings
towards it and the evaluative judgments about that system. 
Particular regional, ethnic or other groups within a political system which are referred
to as "subcultures" have their own way of dealing with the political system that the
political culture in one country can be united or may even be diverse. This has been
given greater focus because of the fact that the influence of the individuals involved in
this vary significantly due to geography, religion, ethnicity and even the economy.
Studying political culture may help us understand of how a certain people react to
certain political events and developments in certain societies and it may also help us be
aware of the reasons for tension within a community and even in nations.
This paper aims to study the particular political culture of Thailand and further examine
the causes of how it came to be now. It also aims to examine how this particular kind of
political culture has influenced the way that the government is run today and most of
all, its effects on the other sectors and parts of the community.
Wide research has been done to resolve this particular study. The resources include
encyclopedias, books on the country, articles of newspapers and the Internet. There has
also been interaction on the part of the researcher and people from the said country by
means of the chat room.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The theory that would best serve the out puts of this paper would be the one on the
relation of democracy and development. It is composed of two theses; one that says,
"Development causes democratization". This is backed up by many political theorists and
will be discussed furthermore in the analysis as applied to the case of Thailand.
The other one stresses, "Development does not lead to democracy of even further
democratization". It stated different reasons for this such as (1) statist economic
development which says that the government of that certain country is involved or even
controls the economic development of their country so, there is intervention on the part
of the government in terms of the economy; (2) culture as a factor where the people in
the government and the society accepts the thought of development in the economy and also
the government but they do not apply it because they want to preserve the traditional
cultures of the people; (3) racial and ethnic division; (4) external factors such as
intervention from foreign countries and even the IMF or the World Bank and; (5) political
factors. This thesis holds true for countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia
where we can see that they are economically developed but there is no democracy in the
country because of two or more reasons stated above.
THAILAND
Prathet Thailand ("Land of the Free") or Kingdom of Thailand is located in the Southeast
Asia. Previously called Siam, it has a total land area of 198, 456 sq. miles (514, 000
sq. km.). Located in mainland Asia, it extends for about 985 miles (1, 585 km) from north
to south and about 510 miles (821 km) from east to west. It is bordered on the north and
west across the Salween River by Burma, on the north and east across the Mekong River by
Laos, on the southeast by Cambodia and on the south across the Isthmus of Kra by
Malaysia.
LAND
It is mainly divided into four regions: the Northern Mountains which is mainly full of
forests of evergreen and teak trees; the Khorat Plateau which covers about 30% of its
land area and is the most populated; the Central Plains which is the most fertile area
and where the Thais plant their rice and lastly, the Southern Peninsula which is mostly
covered by dense jungles, home to many animal species.
Thailand boasts of its being the only nation in Asia to have avoided colonial domination
so it has managed to preserve its traditional society, religious traditions and its
ancient India-derived conception of governmental authority. However, with the onset of
new technology, even though its society is traditional, it has managed to catch up with
other European countries. Proof of this is the fact that if you go to Thailand, you will
see tall skyscrapers on one side and see the smaller shacks and the "wats" (temples) on
the other side. 
PEOPLE
Thailand's population of 61,230,874 (July 2000 est.) is largely divided into many races
but what seems to dominate is the Mongoloid race or the Chinese. Most of the people in
Thailand are ascendants of Thai-speaking people who have migrated from Southern China.
Other members of the population include other immigrants from neighboring countries like
Cambodia, Vietnam and Burma. But, in the urban cities like Bangkok, there is also a mix
of Japanese, Indian and European people. 
There are also other people who live in the hills and have accepted the traditional way
of life. These people in rural villages usually survive by fishing, lumber, mining and
agriculture, where they grow their own food like corn, cassava, fruits and rice. These
small villages have their own schools and a "wat".
Thais are 95% Buddhists but mostly Theravada Buddhists but, other religions include
Islam, Christianity and even animism. Its official language is Thai and other languages
used are English, Chinese, Malay and other tribal languages. 
ECONOMY
Thailand's currency is bath where 1 baht = 100 satang. Before 1960, Thailand relied
mostly on rice and it natural reserves of tin and also on rubber and teak. However, in
the 1960's, more roads were constructed, more forestlands were developed and banks loaned
money to farmers which they used for irrigation, dams and even tractors. This began the
new era f technology for the economy of the country. Today, Thailand has on of the most
stable economies in Southeast Asia, operating on free enterprise, which depends on rice
and manufacturing.
One of the major sources for its economic stability is the agriculture business. Majority
of Thais are farmers who own their lands. Rice production takes up 25% of the total land
area of the country. But, they do not rely solely on this. They also plant bananas,
cassava, corn, cotton, jute, pineapples, soybeans, tobacco, and sugar. Thailand is also
known as the 3rd largest producer of rubber for international market.
But they are also involved in manufacturing of cement, food products, plywood and
textiles, particularly silk. They also fish for anchovies, mackerel and shellfish but
they also have their own fishponds. Aside from that, they also mine tin, lead, manganese,
tungsten and iron ore. They also make use of their vast forests of teak and other hard
trees. However, nowadays, one of Thailand's highest contributors to their economy is
tourism where about 4 million people visit its temples and beaches every year.
GOVERNMENT
Thailand's government is one of the most centralized and bureaucratic in the world.
Though national acts have been passed to decentralize it and give autonomy to the local
administration, it has not been successful because very little power is given to them.
The country is divided into 72 provinces but is also subdivided into 576 districts more.

Thailand's political history is considered to be most colorful and amazing because it has
changed its Constitution a dozen times since 1932. King Bhumibol signed the latest
Constitution on October 1997. There have also been numerous changes in the government but
with no bloodshed. However, nowadays, its form of government has rested on constitutional
monarchy.
The monarch is considered the sacred head of the country and is also considered the moral
leader of the state. Though the monarch has no governing powers, he is still considered
as the symbolic head of the state. But, he is given the position as the
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He also appoints the country's Prime Minister on
the recommendation of the President of the National Assembly. The present monarch is King
Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and his wife, Queen Sirikit. He is considered to be the
longest reigning monarch since 1950.
The Prime Minister holds the executive power of the state and has the highest authority
over political appointments and also of national security. He rules the country with 44
other ministers, which he chooses. The Premier holds the term of 4 years. 
Thailand's National Assembly (Rathasapha) is bicameral with the Upper (Senate) or
Wuthisapha and Lower (Congress) House or Sapha Phuthaen Ratsadon. The Senate is composed
of 200 members (as of March 2000) who are replaced every 6 years; of whom are chosen by
the Prime Minister. Congress, on the other hand, is composed of 500 members (as of March
2000), replaced every 4 years and is elected by the people. The Senate President is
considered to be the President of the National Assembly while the Speaker of the House,
the Vice-President.
There are no elections in the country except for the one choosing the House of
Representatives. The monarchy is hereditary while the Prime Minister is chosen from among
the members of the House of Representatives. So, whichever party has majority in the
House of Representatives has the greater chance of getting to be the Prime Minister
Thailand's political parties were severely restricted for several decades following the
1932 change of government but have multiplied since that time. Many parties serve as the
personal political machines of individuals or small groups, and few represent defined
ideologies. More than a dozen parties contested the elections of 1996. Among the most
prominent were the centrist Democrat (Prachathipat) Party; the New Aspiration Party of
former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh; and the Chat Thai (Thai Nation) Party,
associated with the military.
Thailand's judiciary is composed of the Supreme Court, highest court of law in the
country. Under it is the Court of Appeals and also magistrate's courts and provincial
courts. The country is also a member of many different international organizations such
as the UN, and other UN agencies like the IMF, UNESCO, FAO and ASEAN.
A PEEK INTO THAILAND'S PAST . . .
The First Kingdom People have lived in what is now Thailand for at least 20,000 years,
with groups migrating from India and southern China about 4,000 years ago, and more
recently from Myanmar (Burma) and Cambodia. In many ways, though, the history of Thailand
(known as Siam until 1939) can be said to begin with the founding of the independent
kingdom of Sukhothai in 1238. This period of great cultural growth lasted just a century,
a time during which the tiny kingdom absorbed elements of neighboring cultures. From
China came fine potters who established the famous kilns at Sawankhalok, and contact
occurred with India via the trade route. From Cambodia, Thailand absorbed elements of
administration as well as architecture. When King Ramathibodi assumed the throne in 1350,
he moved his kingdom to Ayuthaya - one of the world's most fertile areas, situated where
three great tributaries join to form the mighty Chao Phraya River. The Ayuthaya kingdom
flourished during the next four centuries, conquering Cambodia and the surviving states
in the north. Foreign Influence During the 17th century, the country opened its door to
the West, establishing contact with England, Denmark, Japan, and France. Trade
flourished; Siam had its place in the world and was known for its fine cloth, spices,
metals, and semiprecious stones. The Burmese, who had waged war with Siam almost
continually since the 15th century, sacked Ayuthaya in 1767. The days of the Burmese
overlords were numbered however, and their reign was shortly terminated when General Phya
Tak proclaimed himself king. When the general, who became known as Taksin the Great, was
executed by his ministers in 1782, the crown passed to General Chao Phya Chakri, who took
the name Rama I. The founder of the present dynasty of Thai kings, he moved his capital
to the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River and named it Krung Thep - Bangkok. Rama I
reined for some 27 years and successfully kept the Burmese at bay. The British and Thai
governments concluded a commercial treaty in 1826. Because of the rights and privileges
obtained by this agreement, British influence increased in Thailand throughout the
remainder of the 19th century. However, the statesmanship of King Mongkut (fictionalized
in The King and I and Anna and the King of Siam) and his son King Chulalongkorn the Great
enabled Thailand to avoid the fate of colonization that befell its neighbors, although
the negotiations ended up costing Thailand a great deal of territory. The World Wars Siam
entered World War I (1914-18) on the side of the Allies in July 1917 and subsequently
became a founding member of the League of Nations. In June 1932 a small group of Thai
military and political leaders organized a successful revolt against the absolute
monarchy. Supported by Japan, the new government negotiated with France the return of
territory ceded since 1893. Thailand's relations with Japan became increasingly friendly,
and when World War II broke out, Thailand capitulated immediately to the Japanese
invasion to avoid unnecessary bloodshed of its people, and in fact declared war on the
United States and Great Britain in 1942. However, the pro-Japanese government was
overthrown two years later, and the new leadership encouraged sympathy for the Allied
cause. Thailand resumed diplomatic relations with the United States in 1946 and became
the 55th member of the United Nations on 15 December 1946. A Time of Unrest The last half
of the 20th century has been marked by internal political difficulties. In 1947 a
military junta seized control of the government. The ensuing dictatorship was overturned
in 1951. A subsequent coup by the military seven years later resulted in the suspension
of the constitution. Political rights slowly regained ground throughout the 1960s, but
military rule was re-established in 1971. Student-led demonstrations in 1973 resulted in
the appointment of a civilian cabinet, but instability reigned throughout the 1980s and
early 1990s, with the government often changing hands. First, in the 1980's the
government was known to have been democratic but in 1991, the military leaders staged a
coup removed the Premier from his office and appointed an interim civilian government. In
February 1995 the government passed a sweeping pro-democracy package that amended almost
all the articles of the constitution passed in 1991. The changes included lowering the
voting age from 20 to 18 years, and Thai citizens were guaranteed due process and equal
justice under the law.
University of the Philippines in the Visayas
Tacloban College
Tacloban City
THEORIES ON POLITICAL SYSTEMS
Country analysis: PUERTO RICO
___________________________________________
Submitted to:
Prof. Ladylyn Mangada
In partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements in Pol. Sci. 101
___________________________________________
Mary Kristine P. Gardiola
98-46022
BIBLIOGRAPHY
 www.msn.expedia.com
 www.asiatour.com/index
 www.ask.com
 www.google.com
 Collier's Encyclopedia; Vol. 22 pp. 230-241 ; ? 1995, P.F. Collier 919 Third
Avenue, New York, NY 10022
 Compton's Encyclopedia; Vol. 23 pp. 146-149 ; ? 1996, Compton's Learning
Company, Chicago
 Encyclopedia Americana; Vol. 26 pp. 585-594 ; ? 1980, Americana Corporation,
Dranbury, Connecticut
 People and Places; Vol. 5 pp. 1302-1313 ; ? 1992, World Book Inc. 525 W. Monroe
St. Chicago IL 60661
ANALYSIS
Thailand has one of the most diverse cultures in the world that this culture is one of
the greatest influences on the way that the Thai people go about their lives. It also
influences all the other parts of the government and the society including the government
and also the way that they handle their economy. Thus, Thailand's political culture is as
complicated as their culture.
With the use of the theories on political culture by Gabriel Almond and Sidney Verba,
Thailand's political culture is very hard to examine. Its political culture seems to fit
all the theories involved. First, it is a participant political culture because although
the people do not vote for the chief executives, they still consider themselves as a big
factor in the election process. However, it also fits in the parochial type where some of
the people are distanced from their national government. These people are the farmers who
just want to go on with their lives without having to connect with the national
government. Still, Thailand also has a subject political culture because some other group
of people view themselves as subjects wherein their lives are directed by the political
process above them. The youth of Thailand fit into this type because they are very
passive about it and they do not want to discuss it. They seem to think that they can do
without it. 
With this, we can see that the combination of all these three political cultures make up
a different kind of political culture called a civic culture. This is the most ideal
culture and this type of political culture leads to a stable democracy. Thus, here we can
see that Thailand has acquired a very stable democracy because of the way that the people
think and the diversity of the political culture.
However, this is already established because as said in the theoretical framework,
Thailand is a democracy because of the development of its economy. Theorists like Karl
Marx, Max Weber and Barrington Moore support this theory. It says that there are many
reasons as to why the government of Thailand is in this state.
First, is the maturity of the economy. The idea behind this is that with the rise of
economic development in a country, the higher will the political development go. This
holds true for Marx's sociological model where he says that the economy is the base in
the society that affects the superstructure or all the other sectors in the society.
Whenever there is economic change, there is also a great chance that all these other
sectors will experience change. Second, is the shift to export-oriented industrialization
where in the business sector of the government will also affect the democracy of the
country. The fact that there is industrialization needs the government to adjust a bit to
fit the type of business that they are trying to assume. Third, is the liberalization,
privatization and marketization of the economy. When the people in the government want
this type of economy, the government is further democratized to suit the needs of the
investors in the country.
With all these information given, we can further conclude that Thailand's political
culture is very much a big factor in its success as a country and also in the government.
It is very much ideal because of the way that it has affected the peoples life. Though,
Thailand has been very quiet with regards to the development of their politics, we can
see that it is very successful to the point that it has attained stability in terms of
the economy hence the stability in all the other sectors like the society and the
government.
Bibliography
BIBLIOGRAPHY
 www.msn.expedia.com
 www.asiatour.com/index
 www.ask.com
 www.google.com
 Collier's Encyclopedia; Vol. 22 pp. 230-241 ; ? 1995, P.F. Collier 919 Third
Avenue, New York, NY 10022
 Compton's Encyclopedia; Vol. 23 pp. 146-149 ; ? 1996, Compton's Learning
Company, Chicago
 Encyclopedia Americana; Vol. 26 pp. 585-594 ; ? 1980, Americana Corporation,
Dranbury, Connecticut
 People and Places; Vol. 5 pp. 1302-1313 ; ? 1992, World Book Inc. 525 W. Monroe
St. Chicago IL 60661