The Journal of the Siam Society Vol. LXIV, Part 1-2, 1976 - Khamkoo

SOCIAL PROCESSES AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE
IN CHONBURI, THAILAND
by
Amara Pongsapich*
Abstract
In this study I will attempt to trace. the change in the pattern of
Thai social structure from its traditional state to its present day
industrializing and urbanizing state by identifying the social processes
involved and the paths of mobility which have been available. Pattern
of occupational shift from generation +2 to generation +I to generation 0
indicates how indu~trialization has led to the availability of new
occupations not in existence previously. The availability of new
occupations, in turn, results in a more complex occupational and social
stratification.
In addition to indicating that industrialization and urbanization
are important factors leading to changes in the social structure of Thai
society, I ba ve further suggested that political and legal changes occurring
within Thai society, i.e. the impact of the Revolution of 1932, have also
affected the social structure of Thai society simultaneously.
Introduction
Chonburi Town which is defined as the functional area of Muang
Chonburi Municipality, Chonburi Province, Thailand is a medium size
urban center with a population in 1970 of about 45,000 composed of
Thai and Chinese ethnic groups. It is 80 kilometers southeast of Bangkok,
the capital of Thailand, and bas developed from the small town it was
in the 19th Century into an industrializing town of Thailand's eastern
region, where many occupational opportunities are available. During
the early 19th Century, it has been recorded that some of the inhabitants
were engaged in small scale fishing, and in work at small sugar cane
presses or on plantations in addition to others engaged in irrigated rice
farming. After World War II, motor powered trawl boats were intro-
* Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University.