Praetorian Kingdom: A History of Military Ascendancy in Thailand
Paul Chambers, author
Date of publication:
2024
Publisher:
ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Number of pages:
705
Code:
BM623
Soft Cover
ISBN: 9789815104240
Reviews
Marwaan Macan-Markar, Asia regional correspondent, Nikkei Asia, October 2024
"How Thailand developed such a coup-prone military is the subject of Paul Chambers' "Praetorian Kingdom -- A History of Military Ascendancy in Thailand," which deftly combines the personal motivations and military ambitions of the generals to establish a protected and privileged military class. Chambers, a Thailand-based U.S. academic, describes step-by-step how the military established itself as the kingdom's second-most-powerful political institution after the monarchy."
Click here to read the full review
About the publication
“This is one of the most comprehensive studies of contemporary Thai politics seen through the careers of Thai military leaders since 1932 up until now. It is of vital importance if one is to understand present-day Thai politics.”
— Kullada Kesboonchoo-Mead, Chulalongkorn University (retired), author of The Rise and Decline of Thai Absolutism
“Paul Chambers has written, arguably, the most comprehensive and detailed book on the evolution of Thailand’s military power from the post–World War II era to the present day. This lucid book is a compelling read for anyone seeking to gain insight into the transformation of the country into a praetorian kingdom, where the monarchy and the military are the most powerful institutions. His delicate exploration of the various plots, methods, strategies, twists and betrayals provides readers with valuable perspectives on the inner workings and dynamics of Thailand’s praetorian system. One of the book’s strengths lies in its use of declassified and leaked documents from the US administrations, adding a sense of excitement and credibility to the analysis.”
— Puangthong Pawakapan, Chulalongkorn University, author of Infiltrating Society: The Thai Military’s Internal Security Affairs
“This study on the Thai military does not merely add to the existing critical understandings about its role in the country’s politics, it tackles the subject in a new light and challenges us to reexamine our appraisal of each military regime.”
--- Dr Chaiyan Rajchagool, University of Phayao, author of The Rise and Fall of the Thai Absolute Monarchy
“This book does two significant things; first, cultivating large amounts of primary resources, and second, providing a sophisticated interpretation of Thai military ascendancy until 2023. Based on these reasons, the book is important for insightful and untold stories about the Thai military.”
— Ukrist Pathmanand, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
“Monumental in scope and wondrously researched, Praetorian Kingdom is much more than the systematic study of the Thai military that has long been needed. For it is a volume that will compel readers not only to understand crucial episodes in Thailand’s modern history in new ways but also to appreciate the continuities in the country’s military politics as never before.”
— Michael Montesano, Associate Senior Fellow, Thailand Studies Programme, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Contents
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Praetorian Kingdom: A History of Military Ascendancy in Thailand
[Whole Publication, ISBN: 9789815104257], by Paul Chambers, author -
Prelim pages and Introduction
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1. Origins
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2. The Initial “Caesars”: Phraya Phahon and Phibun (1932–44)
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3. Establishing Tetrarchy: Phibun, Phin, Phao and Sarit (1944–57)
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4. Sarit’s Stratocracy (1957–63)
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5. The Diarchy of Thanom and Praphas (1963–73)
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6. Krit Sivara and the 6 October Massacre (1973–76)
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7. The Palace’s Attempted Coup (1976–77)
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8. Consensual Kriangsak (1977–80)
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9. Arch-Royalist Prem (1980–88)
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10. Sunthorn, Suchinda and “Black May” (1988–92)
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11. Prem, Chavalit and Military-Guided Democracy (1992–2001)
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12. Thaksin, Sonthi and Surayud (2001–8)
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13. Enter Prawit, Anupong and Prayut (2008–14)
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14. From Prayut “Heavy” to Prayut “Light” (2014–23)
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15. Conclusion
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Appendices
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Index
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About the Author
