The Military Regime: A Case Clientelism in Thailand from Study of Political 1947 to 1963

Abstract

<p>The purpose of this thesis is to examine clientelism in the Thai social, political and economic system during the period from 1947 to 1963. There are two important factors causing the emergence and maintenance of clientelism in Thailand: 1) the confined structure of political competition and economic control; and 2) the absence of formal institutions that can guarantee the individuals' wealth, status and position. Both Thai rulers and Chinese entrepreneurs have used clientelism as their "personal security mechanism."</p> <p>Clientelism also serves as an instrument of acquiring the high central command positions in the Thai armed forces. Some of the Thai military officers try to affiliate themselves with influential military-politicos. They will offer their political support and personal loyalty in exchange for appointments to the command of strategic army garrisons, and especially to the positions of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the Army Commander-in-Chief.</p>