A Coup for the Rich? Thailand's Political Crisis

by Ji Ungpakorn

The populism of Thai Rak Thai can only be explained by the power of the oppressed and their potential to revolt in times of crisis. The coup of 2006 can only be understood as a Coup for the Rich against the interests of the poor. Both Populism and the coup were only possible because of the weakness in the politics of the Thai Peoples Movement. Finally, the violence in the South can only be explained by looking at the repression of the Thai State against the Malay Muslim population and how that population is fighting back. This is a book that seeks to explain the most important issues In the Thai Political crisis of today.

Genres: Politics

144 pages

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Andrew]

The 2006 Yellow Shirt coup was fucked. Straight up. While I disagree with Ji Ungpakorn's dismissals of autonomism, his analysis of the diseases endemic to the Thai bodies politic and academic remains lucid and forceful. I wish he would present more historical background and theoretical underpinning-- I can see it being confusing to someone without some familiarity with Thai culture and politics-- but it sure as shit beats the propaganda pamphlets that are passed off as serious academic work in Thailand.

[I-Nam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and eye-opening.