Finding Their Voice: Northeastern Villagers and the Thai State

by Charles F. Keyes

This book traces the evolution of the rural, Lao-speaking people of northeastern Thailand, now over a third of the nation's population, from a traditional peasantry into "cosmopolitan" villagers who are actively shaping Thai politics. The electoral successes of the Thai Rak Thai/Pheu Thai Party in the early twenty-first century and the strong support given to the Red-Shirt movement appear to have finally given the cosmopolitan villagers of northeastern Thailand a continuing voice in the nation's political process.

260 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2013

Reviews

[Lisa Ya-Han · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read to understand modern Thailand and challenge the Bangkok-centered history narrative from a periphery northeastern/ Isan view. His first hand accounts as an anthropologist in a Isan village show in a more conclusive way to support his history writing rather than a close-look detailed way to give a more micro and intimate aspect to the grand history. Even so, the writer still convey the sorrow of Isan ppl well in a rather academic ( I wouldn’t say cold ) old grandpa way. A must companion documentary is Y/our Music, the touching Isan sound says all the sorrow.

[Bill Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent overview of recent Thai history from an Isaan perspective. Keyes' hypotheses regarding the determinants of Isaan political behaviour eg the reasons for the failure of communism in Isaan are very convincing. Essential reading for anyone with an interest in this part of the world.