Governance and Southeast Asia Geography

Governance in Southeast Asia

• Governance is defined as the values, policies, and institutions managing society's economic, political, and social affairs through state and civil society interactions.
• Good governance principles include participation, inclusivity, no discrimination, equality, rule of law, and accountability.

Map of Southeast Asia

• Southeast Asian countries include Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines, and East Timor.
• Each country has its capital:
  • Myanmar – Naypyidaw
  • Vietnam – Hanoi
  • Laos – Vientiane
  • Thailand – Bangkok
  • Cambodia – Phnom Penh
  • Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur
  • Singapore – Singapore
  • Indonesia – Jakarta
  • Brunei – Bandar Seri Begawan
  • Philippines – Manila
  • East Timor – Dili

Thailand’s Government Structure

• Thailand operates a bicameral parliament consisting of the House of Representatives and Senate.
• The government is a constitutional monarchy, where the constitution limits the monarch's powers.
• The current King is Maha Vajiralongkorn, and the Prime Minister is Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Key Terms

• Tiger Economy: Thailand is recognized as an economic success story in Southeast Asia.
• Buddhism and Monarchism: Two key cultural institutions in Thailand.
• Sakdina: A historical feudal-like system categorizing social hierarchy by land ownership and control.
• Chakri Dynasty: Dominated Thai politics and governance since the late 18th century, noted for reforms that modernized the nation.

Historical Events Timeline

• 1238-1350: Sukothai Kingdom established Thai control.
• 1350-1767: Ayutthaya period marked by territorial expansion and military campaigns.
• 1767: Destruction of Ayutthaya's capital by Burmese forces.
• 1851-1910: King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn implement modernization reforms.
• 1932: Introduction of constitutional monarchy following the abolishment of absolute monarchy.
• 1973: Protests lead to political changes and the rise of democratic civilian rule.
• 2006: Military coup abrogates constitution and removes Thaksin from power.

Military and Political Dynamics

• The military has been a dominant political force, controlling over half of Thailand's cabinets since 1932.
• Key figures like Marshal Sarit Thanarat and Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn exemplify military influence.
• Factional constitutionalism leads to habitual changes in the constitution, impacting governance legitimacy.

Major Political Parties

• Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT): Founded by Thaksin Shinawatra, heavily associated with political loyalty and the Red Shirt movement.
• People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD): Anti-Thaksin movement, aimed at removing TRT remnants from power.
• People's Power Party (PPP): Emerged as a new coalition following TRT's dissolution.

Monarchy

• The monarchy acts as a national symbol with Bhumibol Adulyadej being the longest-reigning monarch.
• Lese-majeste laws protect the royal family from criticism, shaping public perception of "Thainess."

Constitutional Developments

• Thailand has operated under 17 constitutions since 1932, reflecting ongoing political instability and reform attempts.
• The 1997 People's Constitution aimed for democratic governance but faced challenges post-coup in 2006.
• The 2007 Constitution restored power dynamics favoring bureaucratic commissions and the judiciary.

Bureaucracy

• The bureaucracy serves as a stable force amidst fluctuating political leadership.
• Technocrats have gained influence, though their effectiveness waned during economic crises.
• Elected officials play a less dominant role compared to bureaucratic powers in policymaking.

Vote Buying and Political Integrity

• Party jumping and vote buying are prevalent, often involving networks of local leaders.
• Vote buying strategies include cash offerings and incentives during local festivals.
• Election Commission issues yellow and red cards to regulate candidates' eligibility and promote accountability.

State-Society Relations

• Thailand has experienced bureaucratic polity, where the bureaucracy's influence often overshadows parliaments and political parties in policymaking.### Bureaucratic Polity and Military Influence
• Military figures, including generals, occupied significant government roles, influencing governance and policy.
• Constitutionalism emerged as a potential alternative to royal authority, reinforcing state strength during succession crises.

Economic Developments Post-1975

• 1975: A military coup led by General Sarit Thanarat initiated new economic policies under authoritarian rule.
• Post-Vietnam War: Thailand benefited from U.S. military aid, resulting in enhanced infrastructure and technological advancements.
• 1970s-1980s: Thailand achieved a sustained annual economic growth rate of 7%, comparable to developing nations.
• Thailand classified as a second-world developing country, indicating moderate economic status.

Foreign Relations and Trade

• Thailand engaged in free trade agreement talks with major economies, including the U.S., EU, China, and Japan.
• Viewed as an equal partner by the U.S., distancing itself from client-state dynamics.
• Strong proponent of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), aimed at reducing reliance on Japan and East Asia.
• Participated in the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) offering early agricultural trade benefits as of 2003.

Government Structure in Myanmar

• Government is a Parliamentary Republic with a bicameral legislature.
• Consists of the Upper House (House of Nationalities) and Lower House (House of Representatives).
• Current leadership: Min Aung Hlaing as Prime Minister.

Historical Context of Myanmar

• Myanmar was under British colonial rule from the 1800s to the 1900s.
• Gained independence in June 1948 after years of protests against British control.
• Military coup in 2021 led to a reversal of democratic gains following electoral success of a democratic party.
• The country has seen three constitutions since independence.

Myanmar's Name Evolution

• "Burma" refers to the nation before it was anglicized to "Myanmar."
• The term "Pyidawtha" signifies an aspiration for a peaceful, prosperous society.

Aung San Suu Kyi's Impact

• Daughter of independence hero Aung San; became a prominent political figure.
• Founded the National League for Democracy (NLD) and advocated for reform through public speeches.
• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 while under house arrest for opposing military rule.
• Subject to extended imprisonment following the military coup in 2021, with her party accused of electoral fraud.

Military's Role in Governance

• The military, known as Tatmadaw, central to governance with no competing institutions.
• Historical milestones include:
  • 1958: Temporary military administration initiated by U Nu.
  • 1962: A military takeover without opposition.
  • 1988 & 2007: Military repression of protests and public dissent.

Legislative Evolution

• Legislative history marked by two significant periods:
  • Multiparty Bicameral Body (1951-1962)
  • Unicameral Rubber-stamp Legislature (1974-1988).
• Constitutional reforms in 2010 revived the bicameral format with Pyithu Hluttaw and Amytha Hluttaw as houses of legislature.

Political Party Landscape

• Major political contention between the National League for Democracy (NLD) and Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).
• USDP maintained ties to the military government under the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).

Role of Monks in Politics

• Monks hold considerable respect and have historically influenced political outcomes in Myanmar.
• SPDC's efforts to counter monk-led movements included infiltration and repression.
• Thabeik Hmauk involved monks denying merit to immoral leaders, showcasing their political activism.

Ethnic Minority Groups

• Distrust in the central government led ethnic minorities, such as the Karens, Karenni, Shans, and Kachins, to form armed opposition groups.
• National Democratic Front (NDF) formed by ethnic minorities seeking autonomy and federal governance.
• Civil conflicts emerged, with illegal trades surfacing as alternatives for economic survival among ethnic groups.

Union of Burma Formation

• Established in 1947 by various ethnic-linguistic communities, aimed at equitable representation and resource distribution in governance.