Autonomisation of the Thai State: Some Observations

This article argues that the recent global trend of creating autonomous or quasi-autonomous public arganisations must be understood within the particular context of the country under investigation. In the case of the Thai state, autonomisation should be seen as a transformation process from a unitary administrative system to multiple administrative systems. It is an escape from a very centralised form of government to a more decentralised one where government power is more dispersed among various public organisations. The nature of politics and administration determines the direction of the hybridisation processes of autonomisation in Thailand. The reform direction chosen by the prime minister and the relationship between politicians and bureaucrats are two key factors that dictate the direction of autonomisation.