THAI POLITICAL CULTURE AND THE ROLE OF THE SOLDIER AND POLITICS

Abstract

             This article aimed to present Thai political culture that was influenced by the regime from
the past as well as the combination between authoritarianism and libertarianism. Thai people are
independent, do not like to be under control and often overuse freedom without responsibility,
moreover Thai people were dominated by authoritarian culture that praises the superior at the same time. When these characteristics were occurred in political system it was as a tool for those who struggle of power and lead to the political crisis. The authoritarian culture of Thai people will call a power group to come out and solve the problem by using any processes. Therefore it is the
opportunity for the military to come because the military group was considered as the most powerful organization in society, then they will act in the form of coup by using reason that maintain the stability of the nation. In Thai politics, military will play the role as conciliator, conservator also governor. However, each of military coup are causes of political stagnation and the democracy development obstacle. To develop Thai political form to become the complete democracy, it has to promote and cultivate the concept of democratic principle to Thai people in society including the military must be professional and stop intervention or play political role that belong to the citizen duties as well as adjust working attitude between military and civil section by focus on their mission and roles which the most important for our nation to develop with stability.