Democracy and National Identity in Thailand

by Michael Kelly Connors

This revised and updated edition of the widely praised "Democracy and National Identity in Thailand" provides readers with a fascinating discussion of how debates about democracy and national identity in Thailand have evolved from the period of counter-insurgency in the 1960s to the current (post-coup) period. Focusing on state- and civil society-centred democratic projects, Connors uses original Thai language sources to trace how the Thai state developed a democratic ideology that meshed with idealized notions of Thai identity, focusing on the monarchy. The book moves on to explore how non-state actors have mobilized notions of democracy and national identity in their battle against authoritarian rule. It also invites readers to explore democratic ideology as a form of power aimed at creating ideal citizens able to support elite national projects. A 'must' for all courses on Southeast Asia, the book also offers valuable insights for all courses dealing with issues of democratization.

“[Connors’] book has successfully provided a new view on Thai politics, particularly the connection between democracy and national identity; one hopes that the author will soon produce more works on Thailand. He has in any case paved the way for future scholars of modern Thai politics to explore its richness and complexity.” - Andreas Sturm, Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism

Michael Connors teaches at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, PRC in the Department of International Studies and is the author of Democracy and National Identity in Thailand.

Publication year: 2007
312 pp / 229mm x 152mm
ISBN: 978-87-7694-002-7, Paperback

NIAS Press