Thailand: Politics, Economy, and Foreign Relations (Lecture Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, facts, and concepts from the notes on Thailand’s political history, institutions, economy, and foreign relations.

Siam

The former name of Thailand before 1932 reforms.

1932 Revolution

The transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, with the monarch’s power limited by a constitution.

Constitutional monarchy

A system where the monarch is largely symbolic and powers are constrained by a constitution.

Monarch

Head of state with a largely symbolic role; example: King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X).

King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)

The current Thai king serving as head of state.

Prime minister

Head of government; in notes, Paetongtarn Shinawatra (suspended) or Phumtham Wechayachai (acting) as examples.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra

Person noted as suspended prime minister in the notes.

Phumtham Wechayachai

Person noted as acting prime minister in the notes.

WWI (World War I)

1914–1918; Thailand had no major role; allied to central powers but not a main actor.

WWII (World War II)

1939–1945; Thailand was occupied by Japan; not declared ally of Japan and not colonized.

Lèse-majesté laws

Laws protecting the dignity of the head of state; offenses prosecuted; criticized internationally as draconian.

Monarchy (institution)

National symbol and leader of Buddhist religion; ideally non-interventionist in politics.

Constitution

The legal framework of the state; Thailand has 20 constitutions since 1932; the 2017 constitution is current.

20 constitutions

The number of Thai constitutions adopted since 1932.

2017 current constitution

The constitution in force in 2017, amidst ongoing constitutional changes after coups.

Faction Constitution

The idea that constitutions change to reflect shifts in factional dominance within a state.

Bureaucracy

Non-elected officials who make major policy decisions; criticized for red tape and detachment.

Technocrats

Highly trained officials who prioritize public-interest values over traditional hierarchy.

Parliament

Thai legislative body; national assembly with two houses.

Senate (250)

Upper house, appointed by the military.

House of Representatives (500)

Lower house, elected.

Judiciary

Constitutional Tribunal, Courts of Justice, and Administrative Courts.

Military

Dominant state institution; historically the ‘Guardians of sovereignty’ and capable of overthrowing regimes.

Coup d'etat

A sudden military overthrow; Thailand has a history of coups (13 successful, 9 unsuccessful).

Coup culture

Normalization of military coups as an acceptable political tool in crises.

Democracy (theory)

Governance by the people; transitioning states may experience coups; Thailand is described as not fully democratic.

1991 economic development

Post–Cold War era where Thailand became more developed with improved infrastructure.

1997 Asian Financial Crisis

Crisis leading to IMF intervention and debt; recovery aided by Chinese investment and population controls.

IMF

International Monetary Fund; provided loans during the 1997 crisis.

Middle-income trap

A situation where middle-income economies struggle to transition to high-income status due to neglect of long-term investments and education.

Wealth concentration (1%)

A small elite (about 1%) controls a large share of wealth and resources.

Foreign relations during Cold War

Thailand allied with the US; strong trade links; later expanded relations with China and regional blocs.

US largest export market (Cold War)

During the Cold War, the US was Thailand’s major export partner.

China as largest trading partner

Thailand’s major trading partner in later periods.

ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA)

Regional trade agreement to reduce trade barriers among ASEAN members.

Asian Economic Community (AEC)

Regional economic integration initiative in Asia.

Tourism focus

A key aspect of Thailand’s foreign relations and economy, emphasized alongside trade.

Thailand–China trade

Thailand’s substantial trade partner relationship with China.