Women and Politics in Thailand: Continuity and Change

This is the first study in English to analyze in detail the position of women in Thai politics. It subjects various dimensions of women and politics in Thailand to both theoretical and empirical scrutiny; in so doing, it draws together into one volume previously fragmented research in this field. Leading scholars in the field address the challenges, obstacles, and opportunities for increased women’s political representation in Thailand.

Will Thai politics be different with an increase in the number of women politicians? What are the possibilities for Thai women to take proactive initiatives that aim to transform Thai politics into being more gender aware and equal? In seeking to address these and related issues, the analysis brings together a complex interplay of factors, such as traditional Thai views of gender and politics; the national and local political context of the new Thai constitution of 1997; and recent experiences of selected women politicians in the legislative and executive branches of Thai government.

Contributors: Meytinee Bhongsavej, Kornvipa Boonsue, Kazuki Iwanaga, Supin Kachacupt, Orathai Kokpol, Khunying Supatra Masdit, Amalin Sundaravej, Marjorie Suriyamongkol, Amporn Tamronglak, Juree Vichit-Vadakan, Suteera Vichitranonda