NETWORK OF POWER AND CAPITAL ACCUMULATION IN CHAI - NAT PROVINCE: ANALYSIS OF POLITICAL ECONOMY

Abstract

               This research is the qualitative research methodology which is historically examined with an objective in apprehending a creation of network power of the Nakasai family in Chai Nat province. This research focuses on a process of capital accumulation devised by Nakasai family from past to present, and the process of pursing political power of Nakasai family based on the theories considered as the cornerstone of this research; namely, the network power in the local province and the primitive accumulation of capital. All information gathered from interview, observation, documentary research is placed thoroughly under a scrutiny of political economy analysis. With conceptual frameworks drawn from Manuel Castell, David Noke, Michael Mann, Karl Marx, and David Harvey, the result is that the presence of the network power in Chai Nat province is a direct outcome of the localized network power being developed without clear polarities. From that point on, the family is able to formulate the monopolized network power. The monopoly is under a charismatic control of the so-called “Nakasai family” led by Anusha himself. To be more specific, a formulation of the monopolized network power under Nakasai family has its root from the primitive capital accumulation, the running of self-business such as entertainment place, football club, etc. In this process of capital accumulation, the family has been constantly building up network power for seven intact networks in total, on the basis of a patron-client system it has with national politicians, bureaucrats, local politicians, village chief, village headman, businessmen, and the network of the agriculturist including the creation of network with the local people. Interms of Nakasai family’s capital accumulation, it is found that after Nakasai family led by Anusha himself is able to centralize political power, the family business is also increasingly expansive especially the football club. In terms of social accumulation, after an unprecedented change in terms of network power landscape, where Thai Rak Thai party was more enabled in the political role at the same time when Anusha’s political role was politically suspended .is for 5 years, this is the main reason why Anusha’s network power was challenged politically both by the current opponent and the newcomer. However, led by Anusha’s wife, the political power remains seized. The family contextually and objectively adaptable for the perpetuation of its political power and the holding of the electorate base, and this aspect is distinct when the family is locally orientated for the preservation of heritage, culture, and tradition. However, a change in terms of political mechanism exercised through football club is resulted in the continuity of Nakasai family’s network power until the present.