Thailand's hyper-royalism : its past success and present predicament / Thongchai Winichakul.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Thongchai Winichakul, author.

Series:

Trends in Southeast Asia ; 2016 no. 7.

Trends in Southeast Asia ; 2016 no. 7

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Monarchy--Thailand.

Monarchy.

Thailand--Politics and government--21st century.

Thailand.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (36 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Place of Publication:

Singapore : ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, 2016.

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

Thailand's political impasse in the past decade is partly attributable to the royalist dominance of the parliamentary system, a dominance developed and strengthened under the cultural condition of hyper-royalism. Hyper-royalism is the politico-cultural condition in which royalism is intensified and exaggerated in public and everyday life. It is sanctioned by legislation that controls expressions about the monarchy in the public sphere. Hyper-royalism began in the mid-1970s as a measure to counteract perceived communist threats. Despite the fact that these threats had disappeared by the early 1980s, hyper-royalism persisted and was strengthened to support royalist democracy. Hyper-royalism generates the concept of the ideology of modern monarchy -- a charismatic king who is sacred, righteous and cares for his people, and who is indispensable to Thailand -- and the belief that royalist democracy is best for Thailand. Hyper-royalism also generates the illusion that the monarchy is divine, thanks to visual performances and objects, especially through television and majestic pageantry. Accordingly, the ideal monarch is found in King Bhumibol. Given the mortality of Bhumibol, however, future prospects of hyper-royalism and royalist-guided democracy are grim. Thailand's political future is highly uncertain.

Contents:

Frontmatter

FOREWORD

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Thailand's Hyper-royalism: Its Past Success and Present Predicament

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

CHARACTERISTICS

CONCEPT: THE IDEAL MODERN MONARCHY

SPELLS: THE RIGHTEOUS MONARCHY FOR ALL PEOPLE

MAGIC: VISUAL ILLUSION OF SACRED MONARCHY

CRISIS AND DISENCHANTMENT

PREDICAMENT

REFERENCES

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 21 Mar 2019).

ISBN:

9789814762380

9814762385

OCLC:

1096436646