Power maintenance of Thai political elites from 1979-2019

Abstract

          In this research, the researcher aim 1) to study power maintenance of Thai political elites under democratic and authoritarian-military regime from 1979-2019 and 2) to examine which regime is conducive to maintain their powers. This research employed a qualitative research method, the data was collected from academic documents and then analyzed by using a theory of triangulation.

          Findings are as follows; the role of political elites (bureaucrats and military, aristocrats and scholars, politicians and capitalists)  can be seen in all governments even if the regime was changed but their political role remains. However, their roles of power are different depending on the current regime and the constitutional provisions. Moreover, even though the regimes were changed, all groups of the political elites still have  political roles that can be explained by their ability to adapt to both regimes.