iieiiei1eWrkers - Leicester Research Archive - University of Leicester

modernise Third World countries. In our case, the Thai military mainly
concerned itself with its own political and economic interests backed by the
means of internal and external violence at its disposal. Its economic interests,
however, converged with those of the dominant class and the traditional
institutions as well as with foreign capital that propped up the whole system.
Their dependence on the Vietnam War boom in the 1960s and the discrepancies
arising from a dual economic structure, gradually undermined the Thanom-Prapas
regime, whilst escalating political repression was unable to completely contain
discontent and opposition. This culminated in the student led up-rising that
overthrew the regime in 1973. It had mass popular support, fuelled by the
campaigns against Japanese products (1972) and US imperialism (1973) which
had invoked 'nationalist' sentiments. Economic dependence on Japan was seen
as the 'Yellow Peril' as opposed to the 'Green Peril' (the military) and the
'White Peril' (the US). On the other hand, the left linked the US occupation
with the question of national sovereignty (Morell and Samudavanija, 1981).
Nationhood was accordingly redefined to encompass the whole people. The
upsurge of liberal and leftist ideology during the democratic era' not only
threatened militarism but also the conservatism endorsed by the traditional
institutions. The disjuncture had significantly dislodged the military from
monopolising the state apparatus. By the same token, it created an open arena
for a realignment of political and social forces.
Figure 2
The Shifting Identity of 'NATION'
ABSOLUTE MONARCHY CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY
(Rama IV - VII) (1932 - 1980s)
Kingship
Buddhism
NATION
_çiviuian Military
Subjects------
Kingship
I
Buddhism I
NATION
I
____________ NATION
1
Civilian Military
I
I
NATION
l970s
Citizetis-------
I
33