Money politics and the middle class

摘要

In 1992 they poured on to the streets of Bangkok. Armed with nothing more sinister than silk ties and handbags, lawyers, businessmen, accountants and other members of the middle classes forced the resignation of the government that had been formed after a military coup in Thailand the previous year. In November 1997 popular disaffection, this time with the inept handling of the economic crisis by the government of Chavalit Yongchaiyudh (and with the billions of dollars wasted trying to prop up the local currency, the baht), brought about the resignation of General Chavalit's administra- tion. A new coalition took over, led by the Democrat Party. Having endured 17 military coups since its absolute monarchy was transformed into a constitutional monarchy in 1932, perhaps Thailand can now look forward to less turbulent times. The two peaceful transfers of power after recent crises suggest that the armed forces may remain in their barracks.