Thai politics is driven by actors and actions of paradox such as anti-election movements for accountability or independent, partisan organizations. This lucidly written book uncovers the 'military-led civil affairs' that earn the armed forces the omnipotent role in Thai society. It enriches our understanding of the Thai military in both empirical and theoretical ways. Empirically, the book illuminates how the soldiers have been intensively involved in supposedly civic activities ranging from forest land management to poverty reduction. Such long-lasting and extensive involvement means the military could mobilize the organized mass of over 500,000 strong when necessary. Theoretically, readers will learn how an ideological discourse (threats to national security) has been continuously redefined to serve the military's evolving political and rent-seeking missions from the Cold War era to the twenty-first century. It also traces the persistence and mutation of this highly adaptable organization, the one that knows when to roar and when to camouflage. Still waters run deep; Thai military operations run deeper and wider.--Veerayooth Kanchoochat, Associate Professor of Political Economy, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Tokyo

A truly monumental work about Thailand's military from the 1960s until today, this solid study focuses upon the armed forces' internal security role across Thai society, how the military has succeeded in legitimizing itself and boosting its power as a counterinsurgency force, guardian of monarchy and engine of development. The book also valuably looks at the military's establishment of mass organizations beginning during the Cold War and mobilization of royalists since 2006. The book thus illustrates how the military has been able to enhance and sustain its overwhelming influence and is thus a valuable study for anyone wanting to understand key power-brokers in Thailand.-- Dr Paul Chambers, Center of ASEAN Community Studies, Naresuan University, Thailand.

By studying intersections among new cults of wealth, ritually empowered amulets and professional spirit mediumship--which have emerged together in Thailand's dynamic religious field in recent decades--Capitalism Magic Thailand explores the conditions under which global modernity produces new varieties of enchantment. Bruno Latour's account of modernity as a condition fractured between rationalizing ideology and hybridizing practice is expanded to explain the apparent paradox of new forms of magical ritual emerging alongside religious fundamentalism across a wide range of Asian societies. In Thailand, novel and increasingly popular varieties of ritual now form a symbolic complex in which originally distinct cults centred on Indian deities, Chinese gods and Thai religious and royal figures have merged in commercial spaces and media sites to sacralize the market and wealth production. Emerging within popular culture, this complex of cults of wealth, amulets and spirit mediumship is supported by all levels of Thai society, including those at the acme of economic and political power. New theoretical frameworks are presented in analyses that challenge the view that magic is a residue of premodernity, placing the dramatic transformations of cultic ritual centre stage in modern Thai history. It is concluded that modern enchantment arises at the confluence of three processes: neoliberal capitalism's production of occult economies, the auraticizing effects of technologies of mass mediatization, and the performative force of ritual in religious fields where practice takes precedence over doctrine.

For the duration of Myanmar's experiment with electoral democracy, why did some women run for political office, and not others? What role did gatekeepers such as party leaders play in those decisions, and using what criteria in selecting candidates? How did experience of domestic violence or harassment affect women's likelihood to participate in politics, especially beyond the local level? And what implications might these earlier patterns have for a post-coup Myanmar, should meaningful elections be restored?

The contributors to Putting Women Up: Gender Equality and Politics in Myanmar answer these questions by examining the internal politics of nine political parties in Myanmar and both men's and women's attitudes towards and experiences of political leadership. Drawing on extensive interview, survey, and focus-group discussion data collected from across Myanmar in 2017 and 2020, this book offers a mixed-methods approach to explain how factors from party rules to formative personal trauma to patriarchal biases to ethno-religious context shape women's and men's likelihood to join local and national politics. The findings expand on culturalist insights on gender inequality to provide context-sensitive, evidence-backed policy recommendations to promote women's political leadership, despite militarization and violence in post-coup Myanmar.

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This is one of the most comprehensive studies of contemporary Thai politics seen through the careers of Thai military leaders since 1932 up until now. It is of vital importance if one is to understand present-day Thai politics.

-Kullada Kesboonchoo-Mead, Chulalongkorn University (retired), author of The Rise and Decline of Thai Absolutism

Paul Chambers has written, arguably, the most comprehensive and detailed book on the evolution of Thailand's military power from the post-World War II era to the present day. This lucid book is a compelling read for anyone seeking to gain insight into the transformation of the country into a praetorian kingdom, where the monarchy and the military are the most powerful institutions. His delicate exploration of the various plots, methods, strategies, twists and betrayals provides readers with valuable perspectives on the inner workings and dynamics of Thailand's praetorian system. One of the book's strengths lies in its use of declassified and leaked documents from the US administrations, adding a sense of excitement and credibility to the analysis.

-Puangthong Pawakapan, Chulalongkorn University, author of Infiltrating Society: The Thai Military's Internal Security Affairs

This study on the Thai military does not merely add to the existing critical understandings about its role in the country's politics, it tackles the subject in a new light and challenges us to reexamine our appraisal of each military regime.

--- Dr. Chaiyan Rajchagool, University of Phayao, author of The Rise and Fall of the Thai Absolute Monarchy

This book does two significant things; first, cultivating large amounts of primary resources, and second, providing a sophisticated interpretation of Thai military ascendancy until 2023. Based on these reasons, the book is important for insightful and untold stories about the Thai military.

-Ukrist Pathmanand, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Monumental in scope and wondrously researched, Praetorian Kingdom is much more than the systematic study of the Thai military that has long been needed. For it is a volume that will compel readers not only to understand crucial episodes in Thailand's modern history in new ways but also to appreciate the continuities in the country's military politics as never before.

-Michael Montesano, Associate Senior Fellow, Thailand Studies Programme, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute

Southeast Asian Affairs, first published in 1974, continues today to be required reading for not only scholars but the general public interested in in-depth analysis of critical cultural, economic and political issues in Southeast Asia. In this annual review of the region, renowned academics provide comprehensive and stimulating commentary that furthers understanding of not only the region's dynamism but also of its tensions and conflicts. It is a must read. - Suchit Bunbongkarn, Emeritus Professor, Chulalongkorn University

Now in its fifty-first edition, Southeast Asian Affairs offers an indispensable guide to this fascinating region. Lively, analytical, authoritative, and accessible, there is nothing comparable in quality or range to this series. It is a must read for academics, government officials, the business community, the media, and anybody with an interest in contemporary Southeast Asia. Drawing on its unparalleled network of researchers and commentators, ISEAS is to be congratulated for producing this major contribution to our understanding of this diverse and fast-changing region, to a consistently high standard and in a timely manner. - Hal Hill, H.W. Arndt Professor Emeritus of Southeast Asian Economies, Australian National University

The book addresses the issues of China's soft power in Southeast Asia during the rise of China. This soft power includes Chinese language education and popular culture. With regard to Chinese education, prior to the rise of China, Chinese schools were catered to mainly overseas Chinese children. Non-Chinese seldom received Chinese education. However, the rise of China and the export of Confucius Institutes (CIs) changed the landscape as CIs are meant for the non-Chinese population as well. China's educational soft power penetrated the larger non-Chinese community, making Chinese soft power more effective. Chinese popular culture has also infiltrated the non-Chinese population.

Various chapters in this book show that rising China's soft power in Southeast Asia has grown quite significantly, particularly in terms of the Chinese language and Chinese popular culture. Nevertheless, its popularity still lags behind American soft power. The Chinese language is still not as popular as the English language. The same could also be said for Chinese popular culture. The growth of China's soft power faces tremendous challenges in the Southeast Asian region. Its further growth would depend on China's continuous economic power and cordial relations with the Southeast Asian countries.

Rodrigo Duterte's rise and the Marcoses' return to power have captivated Southeast Asia watchers and the rest of the world. That the spectacle of strongman rule has allured most Filipinos is no longer in doubt, with the strong electoral mandate garnered by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022. Whether their capture of state power is in any way connected and what this portends about the country's democratic future is a key theme marking Games, Changes, and Fears. In this volume, Filipino academics and practitioners provide much needed analysis about this political succession and what it means for Asia's oldest republic. Packed with thirteen chapters depicting insightful trends and prognosis on the Philippine economy, domestic politics, foreign policy, and society, this volume offers scholars, students, and policymakers with the analytical repertoire to understand developments in the Philippines. Overall, the chapters suggest that while some policies and practices continue under the Marcos Jr. administration, there have been pivotal changes indicating a break from the past. The chapters offer key policy recommendations critical in recalibrating Philippine political, economic, and social conditions that could address democratic backsliding, economic challenges, and societal polarization.

This carefully curated volume offers a judicious assessment of the political legacy of Rodrigo Duterte in key policy areas and the continuities and changes marking the transition to the Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. administration. Games, Changes, and Fears lays out a number of important insights-the formation of dynastic cartels, erosion of democratic values and civil liberties, securitization of governance, politicization of the information ecosystem, emergence of new political actors, and politics of fear, violence, and misogyny-that deepen our understanding of Philippine politics and society while providing portents of, and object lessons in, the struggle for substantive democracy in neighbouring Southeast Asian countries and the world. -- Caroline S. Hau, Professor, Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University

In the wake of Rodrigo Duterte's populist rule, the Philippines stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the aftermath of profound political and policy changes. As the nation enters a new era under Marcos Jr.'s presidency, questions loom large over the future of democracy and governance. This edited volume offers a multifaceted analysis of Duterte's legacy, providing essential insights into the trajectory of Philippine politics and society. -- Yuko Kasuya, Professor, Faculty of Law, Keio University

This is a superb survey of Philippine politics during the Rodrigo Duterte administration and the early years of the Bongbong Marcos presidency. Written by Filipino scholars based in Philippine universities and research institutions, this unique compilation of essays provides a keen and grounded analysis of political developments in the country. In doing so, this volume showcases the strength and value of Filipino scholarship on Philippine politics. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the impact and legacy of the Duterte years. -- Erik Martinez Kuhonta, Associate Professor, McGill University

About the Series Mudley the bear belongs to a little girl called Sophia. She lives in a small town in Europe. She would love to travel the world but she has to go to school. And so, each time dad has to leave for work at faraway places, Sophia packs Mudley into his suitcase and tells him Daddy please let Mudley see the world for me Being narrated by a bear, the series stimulates, excites and educates young people by giving them the culture and heritage of the places they are going to visit and give parents reason to interact with their children. Each location features photographs depicting the area with Mudley in view, a brief outline, illustrations to tell another story and a playful anecdote that will engage the reader. About the Book Mudley Explores Singapore introduces 28 places/activities that will be of interest to young readers. These include the Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa. Kampung Buangkok and the Singapore River and much more. Beautifully illustrated, this book would be an ideal gift or travel souvenir for the young reader.

As in many other oil and gas dependent countries, Brunei Darussalam--a country with a small population but the second highest income per capita in Southeast Asia--has been diversifying its economy in three sectors: from oil and gas to other sectors of export/economic growth; from the dominance of public sector employment to a more balanced public and private sectors employment; and from heavy dependence on foreign labours to development of local talents. This book examines the current socio-economic development in the journey toward a diversified social economy, as targeted in Brunei Vision 2035. By examining the unique context of Brunei, this book fills in the gap on studies focusing on socio-economic diversification. It highlights the importance of the environment, digital technology and human capital in the diversification process. The book culminates with analyses on business, economy, employment and welfare in Brunei toward 2035, with a new face: a digitalized, sustainable and self-reliant society with a highly developed human capital and a flourishing private sector.

This is a very useful analysis of the challenges facing Brunei Darussalam as the country prepares itself for the 21st century. We are in an unprecedented period of human connectivity facilitated by an increasingly digitalised and high-tech world. The transition which the people, policy and business sectors have to undergo, and survive, is a fascinating learning journey for a small state. This book has succinctly highlighted the experiences we should pick up and apply where relevant for our respective countries going forward. -- Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, Executive Deputy Chairman, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; and the 11th Secretary-General of ASEAN

This forward-looking study of the Brunei economy is timely and topical. Appropriately, the authors identify 'diversification' as the country's key economic challenge, in preparation for the exhaustion of oil reserves and as the world progressively decarbonises. To this end they set out a comprehensive reform agenda focused on education, the labour market, social policy, the development of non-oil industries, environmental objectives and much else. This is a very useful and informative guide not only for the Brunei government and society, but also for neighbouring ASEAN member states. -- Professor Emeritus Hal Hill, Australian National University

This collection fills a considerable gap in our knowledge of the socio-economic circumstances and developmental trajectories of Brunei Darussalam. In particular, it serves as a major and much needed contribution to our understanding of the challenges of economic diversification in an oil- and gas-dependent sultanate. -- Professor Emeritus Victor T. King, University of Leeds

This book aims to identify and discuss the various issues about, challenges faced by, and opportunities from Brunei's diversification of her oil-dependent economy in response to the changing economic landscape at the national, regional and global levels. The various chapters provide a comprehensive analysis of the different sectors of Brunei's economy, and the authors' clear discussion of their arguments and justifications that are substantiated with relevant data and graphical illustrations, and a wide range of primary and secondary materials. I would like to congratulate the authors for this excellent book and recommend it to those who are interested in knowing and understanding Brunei's economy. -- Associate Professor Teofilo C. Daquila, National University of Singapore

The book is a significant contribution to understanding the important yet shifting patterns of relationship between the monarchy and military in Thailand. It is widely known that the monarchy-military union has played crucial roles in politics throughout modern Thai history. This book: A Soldier King: Monarchy and Military in the Thailand of Rama X offers a comprehensive account and sound analysis about the newly formed monarchy-military network, demonstrating clearly how the new king tightens his grip since late 2016 as well as his different style from his late father King Bhumibol.
--Charnvit Kasetsiri, Thammasat University, Bangkok

This introductory book on Thai politics and the rule of law explains why chronically unstable Thailand struggles to mediate and adjudicate its political disputes. It focuses on the continuities between the pre-1932 and post-1932 periods. Since the shift to constitutional monarchy in 1932, the power of the monarch and military has endured, the legislature, electorate and, until recently, judiciary have been comparatively powerless, and constitutions and laws have been comparatively unimportant. Historical continuities are also evident in the persistence of hierarchical thinking and ethno-nationalism, both of which have inhibited open debates about governance. And the rule of law does not always apply, owing to different principles underlying western and traditional Siamese law and the emergence of a distinctively Thai legal culture and consciousness. Thailand's governance was re-cast ambitiously in the 1890s, 1932 and 1997. Since 1997, governing Thailand and developing Thailand's economy have become harder. So political disputes have become more acute and the absence of a national consensus on dispute settlement mechanisms more obvious. Until governance is again re-cast, Thailand's political instability and cycle of coups will continue.

The Duterte administration (2016-22) marked the return of an authoritarian style of rule in the Philippines. It was also accompanied by an economic recovery that was better than many expected, at least until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both during and following the Duterte period, the country was buffeted by a series of internal and external shocks that called into question the state's legal and social policy contract with its citizens.

This period of contesting the Philippines was an intense, normative and practical struggle to shape (or reshape) some of the Philippines' most critical institutions: the Constitution, the presidency, the Supreme Court and the rule of law, the free press, regional autonomy and independent regulatory institutions. These developments energized many domestic policy actors: technocrats, the business sector, civil society organizations, the police and the military, armed groups and religious leaders across the spectrum of Filipino politics. This volume considers some key sites of contestation between and among domestic policy actors, including the executive, during this eventful period for political and legal institutions in the Philippines.

This book shows why Vietnam has not become the dragon it is often touted to be. The team of authors include both long-time observers and junior scholars who present cutting-edge research on the latest trends as well as major challenges facing the country's economy and political system. As Vietnam seeks to escape from poverty and the legacies of mistaken socialist policies, its economy has become fully integrated into the global economy. Yet, without an effective and far-sighted leadership, it is still occupying a low position in the global value chains and becoming increasingly dependent on China. Politically, after three decades of reform, the Vietnamese Communist Party's grip on power has well adapted to the market economy, but is confronting deep vulnerabilities as observed in its eroding ability to control workers, the media, public universities, and state-owned enterprises. The book also includes a section that applies formal and statistical methods to compare Vietnam with China in two critical areas of political accountability and anti-corruption policy.

Okashi Treats is collection of cakes, cookies and pastries that represent the intricacy of French-style baking, and the delicate simplicity of Japanese flavours. The featured recipes have been refined and given a new edge through the delicate fusion of French-style baking and Japanese flavours and techniques. Replete with a fully illustrated section on essential baking equipment, with step-by-step pictures, concise information on baking techniques and useful tips and headnotes for each recipe, experienced bakers and beginners in baking will be in no lack of inspiration.

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This guide is all about helping you understand finger monkeys and what they are like. This includes a look at what you can do when getting one as a pet. You will learn about every critical aspect associated with having a finger monkey through this guide. This will profile information on how to take care of such a monkey, how to keep a healthy habitat intact and the legal considerations associated with having one. You will even learn about how to keep your budget for your finger monkey intact. Wendy Davis, a renown author, pet trainer, animal coach and lover for over 15 years in the local scene. She brings yet another straight forward and comprehensive guide to owning a Finger Monkey. She is considered the go-to person for any sound pet advice and information. Everything you need to know about the tiniest breed of monkeys from the Amazon. This is the must have guide and informative book for anyone who is interested in owning their very own Finger Monkey.

Don't wait for your parents to apologize or love you. Heal your hurt inner child now with this reparenting self-help book.

Do you have unresolved issues with your parents?

Were your emotional needs not met as a child?

Are you still secretly craving for their love and approval?

If so, this book is for you.

Written by someone who overcame childhood emotional neglect, this book is especially suitable for those who have emotionally immature, absent, or unavailable parents.

Download - Parent Yourself Again: Love Yourself the Way You Have Always Wanted to Be Loved

Our relationship with our parents often stays the same because we hope one day, they will change and treat us differently. But when they don't, this leaves us feeling disappointed, frustrated, resentful, and hurt.

Instead of waiting for them to give us the affirmations and validations we need, the best way to improve our relationship with them is to change ourselves and fulfill the needs of our inner child.

Be Your Own Parent

The purpose of this book is to help you learn how to love yourself and be a good parent to your inner child. What your parents failed to do for you in the past, you can do it for yourself now.

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• The dynamics of a parent-child relationship
• How your childhood might have affected your adult life
• Why is it difficult to change your parents
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• How to heal your inner child and take care of its needs
• The different protective mechanisms you have adopted subconsciously that prevent you from loving yourself

Parent Yourself Again is a simple book for self-reflection and self-exploration. If you want a better relationship with yourself and your parents, read this book.

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A treat not just for the taste buds, but also for the other senses, these delightful Japanese confections known as wagashi were traditionally prepared according to the season, to be savoured with tea, as a snack during the day. Made using various types of sweet bean pastes, flours and gelatin, these delicate treats are now widely enjoyed throughout the day, and make ideal gifts whatever the occasion. Discover the delectable world of Japanese wagashi from traditional favourites to new creations with this inspiring collection of recipes from the talented Chef Yamashita Masataka.

Wholeness in a Disruptive World offers timely insights and practical advice on how we can stay balanced in face of challenges, sustain our best work in the long haul, and contribute to the larger world around us. As the demands of a disruptive world grow and pull us in different directions, it has never been more important to be whole. Most people recognise this, but few know how to achieve it. Instead, we run on the treadmill of work and become ever more drained and burnt out, while the organisations that we are part of become ever more fragmented and unhealthy. This book aims to bridge that gap. Inspired by the author's realisation after a physical breakdown from trying to do it all, Wholeness draws on the combined wisdom of Eastern and Western thinking, along with extensive interviews with leaders and executives, to show the way towards wholeness - both for us as individuals, as well as for our organisations and communities. A practical path to the integration of Eastern values and Western thinking that is good for the soul and good for our organisations.- Peter Block, author of Flawless Consulting and Stewardship As the pace and intensity of modern life ratchet up, Wendy's emphasis on wholeness is more important than ever. - Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times bestselling author