Somsak Jeamteerasakul and Thai Absolutist State -

Abstract

This article aims to study Somsak Jeamteetasakul’s concepts and analytical frameworks on Thai absolutist state (1868-1932). In doing so, this article mainly reviews Somsak’s writings, recorded seminar and lecture, and recorded of his comments on Thai absolutist state in different occasions. The author finds out that even though most of Somsak’s works might not directly relate or deliberate on characters of Thai absolutist state per se. But his studies reveal attempts to comprehend some specific absolutist characters that remain relevant to the current Thai politics and the status of the monarchy especially during 2006-2016. Regarding the relevant characters, the author will point out 3 aspects 1. Extra economic coercion along the line of the so-called Political Marxist 2. Somsak’s relentless attempts to question and understand why Thai middle class fail to have leading roles in the calls for democracy along the arguments of Marxist and Modernization theory. Instead they have been prominent in buttressing the “undemocratic” character in Thai political landscape. 3. The Palace Law on Succession, which has become the integral part of Thai constitutions and the prerogative that Thai parliament could not amend or alter.