The Political Economy of Telecommunications Reforms in Thailand

Book excerpt: The Political Economy of Telecommunications Reforms in Thailand studies the changing character of state-society relations in contemporary Thailand by focusing on the telecommunications industry. It examines the privatization and gradual reforms during the 1980s and 1990s and the political dynamics behind these policies, as well as conflicts and cooperation among the various players. The book also covers bureaucratic and political corruption and their implications for Thailand's political democratization and economic liberalization. It argues not only that the bureaucracy is no longer the dominant power in Thai politics, but also that the country has moved towards a more pluralistic socio-political system in which a broadly based liberalization coalition has emerged.