Thailand's Regional Development : Some Linguistic and Cultural Aspects of Its Path to Modernization

要旨

A prime concern in carrying out area studies of any society is to make a survey of its region and history. An understanding of the sequence of events that underlie the pattern of the present becomes essential. This article presents some highlights of the political and economic aspects of the social change that has occurred in the Kingdom of Thailand. The life and work of the majority of the Thai people, who live in the country's rural areas, in the north, south, east, north-east and center of the country, are especially important. The essay presents some of the key facts of the influence of western modernization and discusses the disillusion with the development of Thailand that has become a feature of the present. The situation of the remote areas of the country, with particular reference to their social and cultural significance, is discussed. Finally, the problems of social conflict and the perception of mismanagement on the part of central government lead to an awareness of the importance of public participation in social and political activities.