chapter 6. other concepts relating to sex - Windward Community ...

Currently, one of Mahasarakham's six representatives is a woman. Women are not politically
disinterested. More Thai women are eligible to vote than men, and more actually do (Office of the
Prime Minister, 2002).
The lack of a presence of women in political leadership positions is consistent with
students' beliefs about sex and leadership. Overall, both male (88%) and female (82%) students
believe men are better and more natural leaders (see Appendix F). Additionally, they are better
decision-makers (males - 91%, females - 71%) and when it comes down to making a quick or
difficult decision, students believe it is better that a man do it than a woman. And, when
hypothetically given the choice between choosing between an equally qualified man and women
for political leadership, students strongly favor choosing men. Men were more strongly favored
for the highest national and local positions (see Appendix G). This is remarkably consistent with
actual trends in male and female political leadership, suggesting that the meanings derived from
politicians as symbols are in part sexed ones.
Royal Family
King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit are the most prominent married couple in
Thailand and thus serve as an example for the public. They are the ultimate models for Thai not
only in terms of sex roles, but also dominant Thai culture: "As a symbol of national unity, the
royal family reinforces the primacy of Bangkok as the cosmological, religious, political, and
economic center of the nation" (Van Esterik, 2000, p. 8).
King Bhumipol has brought back to the monarchy the image of the King as a paternalistic
figure. 9 The King and Queen have a reputation as being very caring toward the Thai people.
Though at one time they presented a very unified and supportive image (and in 1994 this was still
true), today it may be less so. They have four children: Princess Ubol Ratana, Crown Prince
Maha Vajiralongkorn, Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and Princess Chulabhorn. HRH
9
This image existed during the Sukhothai period, but then disappeared for several hundred years.
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