Military in Thai politics : its changing role.

The Thai military's political role has been evolving over the years with the changing socio-economic conditions in Thailand. However, neither the changes in the socio-economic conditions nor the military's form of political involvement has resulted in the military loosing its dominant status in society; particularly in reference to its power position with the government and the monarchy. A key factor that has enabled the military to continue its political role is the failure of the civilians, both students and politicians, to entrench in Thai society democratic values and institutions. As a result the Thai "political culture" willingly accepts the military's active participation in politics and in fact sees it as a necessity against the corrupt and incapable civilian governments.Master of Science (Strategic Studies