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Anand Panyarachun and the Making of Modern Thailand
Anand Panyarachun is regarded as one of the most politically astute leaders Thailand has ever produced. His two terms as an unelected prime minister in the early 1990s are considered a watershed period with effects that continue to echo down through the years.
This in-depth biography starts with Anand's childhood in a bucolic Bangkok that was disrupted by World War II and the japanese occupation. It describes his formative years in postwar England and his rise at a young age to the top of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the height of the Vietnam War. Anand's deep involvement in the ending of
the US military presence in Thailand
and his growing antagonism towards Thailand's military establishment led to the derailment of his stellar diplomatic career in the aftermath of a bloody
right-wing coup in 1976.
Having launched a second career in the private sector,Anand was unexpectedly invited to become prime minister in
1991. His cabinet of top technocrats, bureaucrats,and reformers is still considered one of the most progressive and productive Thailand has seen. Political violence a year later once again placed Anand in the middle of historic events. In recent decades, he was central to the drafting of the 'People's Constitution',and gave counsel to many,including future prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his neophyte political years.He was also called
upon to lead a number of important
commissions,including UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's 2004 high-level panel on threats to global peace. His long life story contains lessons that remain relevant to Thailand and the world today.
This in-depth biography starts with Anand's childhood in a bucolic Bangkok that was disrupted by World War II and the japanese occupation. It describes his formative years in postwar England and his rise at a young age to the top of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the height of the Vietnam War. Anand's deep involvement in the ending of
the US military presence in Thailand
and his growing antagonism towards Thailand's military establishment led to the derailment of his stellar diplomatic career in the aftermath of a bloody
right-wing coup in 1976.
Having launched a second career in the private sector,Anand was unexpectedly invited to become prime minister in
1991. His cabinet of top technocrats, bureaucrats,and reformers is still considered one of the most progressive and productive Thailand has seen. Political violence a year later once again placed Anand in the middle of historic events. In recent decades, he was central to the drafting of the 'People's Constitution',and gave counsel to many,including future prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his neophyte political years.He was also called
upon to lead a number of important
commissions,including UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's 2004 high-level panel on threats to global peace. His long life story contains lessons that remain relevant to Thailand and the world today.
608 pages, Hardcover
Published May 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 26, 2019
A thorough review of one of Thailand's most successful prime ministers, one whose success came at least in part from the fact that he never sought the office.
The book is a deep-dive into Anand's life, which fortunately winds its way through some of Thailand's most consequential periods, and benefits from wide interviews with key players, which helps keep it from succumbing to a Western perspective.
The book loses a bit of steam in Anand's later years, but on the whole is an absolute necessity for any student of Thailand.
The book is a deep-dive into Anand's life, which fortunately winds its way through some of Thailand's most consequential periods, and benefits from wide interviews with key players, which helps keep it from succumbing to a Western perspective.
The book loses a bit of steam in Anand's later years, but on the whole is an absolute necessity for any student of Thailand.
December 4, 2019
Not only the private life of Khun Anand, but also Thai political history. The book tells how a man grew up and made a great contribution to his mother country. A kind of role model for the younger generation to learn how to live their life.
November 29, 2020
Khun Anand was once asked how he wanted to be remembered. Despite being highly regarded as the best Prime Minister, he said, “I want people to forget me”
At the end of the book, you will find out what he means and why he said that.
If you ever wonder why Thai politics is so interconnected with the military, this book has the answer. Many conspiracy theories in Thai society are also addressed by Khun Anand and other public figures. Some people in this book are still influencing the society. This book helps you understand “who” they really are.
This book is very objective regarding the development of Thailand international affairs and politics. It is written by a Western journalist while most of the stories and interviews are from prominent Thai figures. It is a good combination.
The story starts from the 1930s (2475). The first half of the book is mostly about Khun Anand’s life as a diplomat during the Vietnam War. The second half is dealing with Thai politics after the 1970s (October 2516). As I was born and raised in Thailand for 18 years, I would say this book gives the new insights which were not taught or intentionally rejected in Thai high schools.
If you have never picked up any Thai politics book but interested in (like I am), I highly recommend this book. It is story-based and enjoyable.
Note: In this book, some terms in politics and international relations can be unfamiliar to those outside the field. I am not a student in politics or international relations, and I have to put some extra effort to get through this book comprehensively.
At the end of the book, you will find out what he means and why he said that.
If you ever wonder why Thai politics is so interconnected with the military, this book has the answer. Many conspiracy theories in Thai society are also addressed by Khun Anand and other public figures. Some people in this book are still influencing the society. This book helps you understand “who” they really are.
This book is very objective regarding the development of Thailand international affairs and politics. It is written by a Western journalist while most of the stories and interviews are from prominent Thai figures. It is a good combination.
The story starts from the 1930s (2475). The first half of the book is mostly about Khun Anand’s life as a diplomat during the Vietnam War. The second half is dealing with Thai politics after the 1970s (October 2516). As I was born and raised in Thailand for 18 years, I would say this book gives the new insights which were not taught or intentionally rejected in Thai high schools.
If you have never picked up any Thai politics book but interested in (like I am), I highly recommend this book. It is story-based and enjoyable.
Note: In this book, some terms in politics and international relations can be unfamiliar to those outside the field. I am not a student in politics or international relations, and I have to put some extra effort to get through this book comprehensively.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews