Thailand in the Cold War: Sarit-Thanom Regime (1957-1973)

Politics and Government in ThailandYaowaluk Chaobanpho

Group presentation; select 1 question and answer in 5 minutes

• 1. What is the cold war? What is its influence in Southeast Asian Region?• 2. What is the role of Thailand that contributed to the cold war during Sarit

Regime?• 3. What is the role of USA in supporting Sarit to become the leader in Thai

politics? • 4. What are the key features of economic development in Sarit period?• 5.Describe the change of Monarch’s status during Sarit’s time• 6. What is The Politics of Despotic Paternalism?• 7. What is the political view of Sarit, particularly the view on democracy?• 8. In what ways the country was modernized during Sarit’s time?• 9.What are the factors that later caused the fall of dictatorship after Sarit’s

time?

Phibun’s regime 1

• Phibunsongkhram as Prime Minister 1938-45– Increase modernization– Pro fascism and nationalism– Built Leadership Cult ลั�ทธิ�เชื่�อผู้� นำ��• “Aimed to uplift the national spirit and moral code of

the nation and instilling progressive tendencies and a newness into Thai life”

– Reform Thai language– Encouraged western manner

Phibun Regime 2

• 1939 changed from Siam to Thailand• 1941 changed new year from Songkran to

January 1• Encouraged economic nationalism; Anti

Chinese policy

Alliance with Japan 1941-45

2nd Phibun term

• April 1948 Phibun assumed his second premiership

• 2 unsuccessful coupe attempts (1951)• Promoted democracy “Open Politics”• Entered Korean War to support USA• Received large American aid• Entered early Cold War

Sarit seized power

• Accused Phibun of cheating in election• American supported Thai army played crucial

roles in 1957 coup

Cold War ?

• Communist World (Soviet) VS. Western World (USA)

• Vietnam war (1955-1975), US’ military bases in Thailand (1965-75)

• USA’s funding for development• USA development model for allied countries

Map of Cold war

Sarit Thanarat (1908-1963)

• Successful in army• Staged a coup in 1957 and second coup in

1958• Prime Minister 1958-1963• Strong leadership• Started National Economic and Social

Development Plan

Politics in Sarit Regime

• Governed under Martial Law• Most authoritarian in the history of modern

Thai politics– Abrogating constitution– Dissolving parliament

• Centralized power to his Revolutionary Party• Controlled Bureaucratic system and military

Politics (2)

• Banned all political parties• Strict censorship of the press (banned 18

publications)• Intense crackdown on leftists– Suppressed many professors, politicians and

newspapers

Chit Phumisak

• Historian, writer, left wing intellectuals• “Che Guevara” of Thailand• Studied philosophy at Chulalongkorn• The Face of Thai Feudalism • 1965 joined Communist Party of Thailand• Killed in 1966

Bureaucratic Polity

• No Elections• No political power from society outside

bureaucracy• No political participation from people• Decision making relied on bureaucratic elites

Economic Development

• Established National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) สภ�พั�ฒฯ

• 1961 launched the 1st National Economic and Social Development Plan

• Technocrats’ role in decision making– NESDB– Bank of Thailand– Finance Ministry

Mittraphap Road (#2)

Thai Railway

Ideology: Thai Style Democracy

• Political Instability caused by too much democracy

• Nation (and state) is more important than individual

• People do not need to participate, they can assure the country is in good hands (elites)

• Thainess should be applied in government and politics (Western is not suitable to Thai society)

Ideology: Despotic Paternalism

• Help children• Keep family security• Promote health and morality• Command• Visit family members• Father or Dictator?

As Father

The Role of the King

• Represent Thailand to other countries

• Visited provinces• Patronized

development projects• Personally presented

degrees for university graduates

• Practice of laying on the ground in front of the royal family

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WGCMfKyulo

Role of the King

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjRAak_sxnk

• Role in Development• National day – King’s Birthday• Role in Government

Sarit’s funeral

Thanom Kittikajorn

• Prime Minister 1963-1973• Army commander • 1971 election, then made a coup against

himself

University Students

• Upper Class (graduate ceremony)• Enjoyed privileges• Outside politics

BUT1960s Hippies cultureLiberalism

Anti Vietnam war 1963-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt5MDaTapEw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7Y0ekr-3So Woodstock