The industrial working class and the state in Thailand : an introductory analysis

Abstract

The rise of capitalism and the emergence of working classes in the countries of the so-called 'Third World' is now the subject of increasing academic research. This study seeks to make a contribution to this research by providing an introductory analysis into the historical development of the industrial working class in Thailand. The period covered by this study extends from the mid-nineteenth century up to 1957. Some initial and largely exploratory attempts are made to trace the processes of formation of this class fraction with particular emphasis being given to an examination of the role played by the state in the process. Drawing on both secondary sources and hitherto unused primary documents, this study seeks to demonstrate that, during the period under review, an industrial working class emerged as an important social force within Thai society and that members of this class were making significant contributions to Thai economic, political and social life. In arguing for this position the study directly challenges the widespread view that Thai society lacked a 'true' working class movement during the pre-1957 period. This thesis demonstrates that this view is both theoretically and empirically mistaken.