The role of trade unions in the political development in Thailand: 1958-1986.
Item
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Title
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The role of trade unions in the political development in Thailand: 1958-1986.
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Identifier
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AAI9119687
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identifier
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9119687
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Creator
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Vanno, Vichote.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Irving L. Markovitz
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Date
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1991
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Political Science, General
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Abstract
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This dissertation documents and analyzes the emergence of labor unions in Thailand as an extrabureaucratic force. While the principal focus of the study is on the period 1958 to 1986, a brief analysis of labor in Thailand from the late nineteenth century to 1958 places the period of principal focus in historical perspective. Socio-economic and, especially, political developments are analyzed to show the context in which labor unions emerged.;Following the overthrow of the absolute monarchy in 1932, a bureaucratic polity replaced the traditional monarchical rule. Bureaucracy and especially the military became the center of decision making and political controversy. When contestants for power within the restricted circle of bureaucrats and the military sought support and a base of legitimacy outside the bureaucratic-military realm, labor became a principal target, usually serving the function of a client for a powerful contestant or contestants within the bureaucracy. In return, labor received protection or, possibly, more favorable government policy.;Rapid and substantial economic development fueled corresponding changes in the social and political system of Thailand. Changes in traditional attitudes of elites and masses and a steady democratization since 1973 were the most important of these changes. A rapid increase in the urban labor force and its organizations developed within this atmosphere, and labor began to act autonomously, as an extrabureaucratic force.;Labor's emergence as an extrabureaucratic force is documented in a number of case studies of labor action in pursuit of certain goals. They range from the most immediate "bread-and-butter" (such as wages, hours and working conditions) to broader issues of public policy (such as social security law, and minimum wages) to a number of less concrete goals relating to participation in military coup d'etat, elections and constitutional changes.;What stands out in virtually all the case studies was labor's autonomy in identifying its goals, determining a course of action and acting on its own initiative. Even when labor acted in conjunction with bureaucratic or military elites, it acted on its own initiative, as an ally rather than a client.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
