‘A significant contribution to Thai political studies ... a major scholarly achievement. Connors has clearly mastered the fundamental literature on the politics and political thought in modern Thailand and lays out the result with admirable vigour and clarity.’
Professor Robert H. Taylor, SOAS, in Asian Affairs

‘A wonderfully constructed and thought-provoking account ... It reflects a deep engagement with Thai language material and, through the careful use of political and social theory, weaves this material into a coherent narrative of the long-term development of democratic ideology ... this book is bound to prompt ongoing debate and discussion.’
Dr Andrew Walker, Australian National University, in the Journal of Contemporary Asia

Contents: Introduction: Talking democracy; Making democracy mean something; Before the doctrine: from constitutional democracy to Thai-style democracy; Developmental democracy: villages, insurgency and security; Delayed liberalism, the general will: the doctrine entrenched; Citizen King: embodying Thainess; New times, new constitution; Liberalism, civil society and new projects of subjection; Rethinking the nation in times of crisis: democracy, civic engagement and community; From abstract citizen to concrete struggle; Conclusion The lash of civic virtue