Thaksin: The Business Of Politics In Thailand

by Pasuk Phongpaichi, Chris Baker

Thaksin made a fortune of two billion dollars in four years. He was elected prime minister of Thailand in 2001 by a landslide. He narrowly escaped convicition for corruption. He believes he can take Thailand into the first world in eight years by running the country like a company.

To some, he is Thailand's best premier ever and a new leader for Asia. To others he is a threat to democracy, human rights, public morality, and the rule of law.

This book is the first serious study of Thaksin in English. It examines where he comes from, how he made his money, what he is trying to do, and his impact on Thailand's economy, society, and democracy.

302 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Andrew]

Sometimes people ask me to explain Thai politics… I respond “got a couple hours?”

I started this before the current political fracas (which is kind of a lot of the time in Thailand), but I couldn’t think of a more apropos read as the Paetongtarn government looks like it might face a real wet-fart ending. This is a pretty cogent analysis of who Thaksin is – where he came from, how his background shaped him, why he was so hated by certain segments (hint, it doesn’t have anything to do with the big dude on the throne), what he did right (which was a lot), and what he did wrong (which was also a lot).

[Isma]

Saya pernah terpesona dengan Thaksin sebelum pudar...

[Doug]

An excellent account of Thaksin - worth re-reading at this point in time, while Bangkok is on the brink 16 April 2010.