The development of political science in Thailand. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sawasdee, Siripan Nogsuan
• Is Part Of: Asian journal of comparative politics. Volume 1:Number 1(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 88
• Page End: 103
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: political science in Thailand -- Thai politics -- Thai studies; Comparative government -- Periodicals; Asia -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 320.3095
• DOI: 10.1177/2057891115624019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2057-892X

Abstract

This paper recounts the development of political science in Thailand and identifies the subfields and approaches used in political science studies. The paper argues that the orientation of political science has been a product of the historical process of semi-colonialism and Thailand's pattern of development based on internal colonization with a high degree of centralization in Bangkok in all dimensions, whether economic, political, or cultural. Moreover, the alternation between varying forms of military rule and prolonged colour-coded politics have been major factors influencing the debates and the substance of political science in the country which has also brought about the politicization of Thai academics. The paper seeks to assess the current situation of and challenges to the study of political science in Thailand.