Thailand's Turn. Profile of a New Dragon

Despite Occasional Outbursts Of Political Fireworks, Thailand Is Moving Steadily Into The Select League Of Newly Industrialized Economies. Its Struggles For Democracy In The Face Of Military Ambition And Its Continuing Economic Miracle Make It The Country To Watch In Southeast Asia.--book Jacket. The Authors Of Thailand's Turn Conducted Extensive Research And Scores Of Interviews (culminating In A Long And Highly Illuminating Audience With King Bhumiphol Himself) For This Searching Analysis Of Thailand's Recent Development. All The Major Factors Contributing To Thailand's Success Are Covered: The Good Fortune Of Avoiding Colonization, The Effect Of Buddhism, The Natural Balance Of Political Forces, And The Development Of Sound Economic Policies. The Thai National Character And The Problems The Country Faces - Environmental Damage, Income Inequality, And The Spread Of Aids - Are Also Carefully Considered.--book Jacket. Thailand's Turn Holds The Key To Understanding Southeast Asia As It Moves Into The Next Century. It Is An Indispensable Guide To The Thai Way From Politics To Pleasure, From Buddhism To Business.--book Jacket. Prologue: The Key Player On The Thai Chessboard -- Introduction: The Asia That Might Have Been -- 1. The Military Mission: Army Boots On The Brake -- 2. Politics The Thai Way: Zigzag Democracy -- 3. The Monarchy: Royal Rainmaker -- 4. The Changing Thai Personality: Behind The Smile -- 5. Those Chinese Genes: A Triumph Of Assimilation -- 6. Thai Buddhism: The Response To Modernity -- 7. A Fast Growth Economy: Consolidating For Another Spurt -- 8. The Price Of Economic Success: Inequality, Pollution And Aids -- 9. Farm And Factory: A Giant In The Making -- 10. Continental Diplomacy: The Hub Of Southeast Asia -- 11. Dealing With The Bigger Powers: The Crocodile Or The Whale? -- Conclusion: Alone And Free At Last -- Notes. Elliott Kulick And Dick Wilson. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [199]-200) And Index.