An Overview of Developmental State in Thailand: Formation and Implementation of State Capacity

State development capitalism, also referred to as developmental state, is an economic model characterised by a government taking responsibility to deliver steady growth via intervention and extensive regulation. Originated from East Asia, this model necessitates the role of the states in mobilising social resources in order to support cohesive industrialisation policies. This article examines one of the successful state-led developments, namely Thailand. By critically reviewing the historical records of the Thai state’s development up to the late 1990s, it can be observed that this state is distinctive in the sense that whilst it secures sufficient politico-cultural leadership,it lacks the capacity to implement coherence to its coercive policies.