Thailand in 1976

Abstract

Introduction The 6 October takeover by the National Administrative Reform Council (NARC) must be considered as a landmark in the otherwise normal socio-economic and political development in Thailand. It is clear that numerous political, social and economic problems of the country have been swept under the carpet to give the new leaders a clean slate to commence their benevolent rule. Priority has since been given to national security which, it is hoped, would be solved by the strengthen ing of the country's combat forces, by the intensive patriotic campaign centring on the Nation, the Religion and the Monarch, and by the hard-line policy towards communism. Politically, the disappearance of the various pressure groups (such as the students' organization, coherent workers' unions, farmers' federation, and the free press) has been one of the most regrettable consequences of the military takeover. These are the groups that have been championing the cause of the underprivileged suffering under the social and economic injustices of officialdom and the unscrupulous privi leged class. Since the 1973 Revolution, these pressure groups had been able to compel the government to redress some of the grievances of the common people. Moreover, the emergence of these reasonably effective pressure groups had, up till October 1976, put a stop to the military-faction politics dominating Thailand since 1957. Nevertheless, it is true that the political development of Thailand in 1976 has culminated in the polarization of Thai politics. As a consequence, the antagonism of the right-wing and left-wing line-up has further contributed to the already weakened position of the Seni Coalition. It is against this political back ground that the return of both Field Marshals ? Prapas in August and Thanom in September ? must be considered. Themselves not the actual cause of the up heaval leading to the overthrow of parliamentary government, they have undoubtedly tipped the precarious political balance in favour of the military. The year began therefore with some hope for further progress in carrying on parliamentary democ racy, despite weaknesses demonstrated by intra and interparty squabbles, but the events between April and October proved too much for an inherently weak coalition, led by an indecisive Prime Minister, who had not yet managed to secure the trust and genuine support of the forces. The socio-economic development has likewise come to an abrupt halt. The 1976 (commencing October 1975) and the 1977 (commencing October 1976) bud gets show a modest move towards improving the economic and social life of the common Thai. This trend, which has not officially been denounced after the Octo ber takeover, has suffered from the government's indecisiveness and lack of general guidelines. Generally the status quo exists.