In a recent publication of an article by the late Benedict Anderson, a leading scholar of the political economy of SE Asia, he proposes a theory of the Thai political conflict that accounts for the otherwise surprising absence of ideology. He sees the source of the conflict in longstanding competition among the four leading ethnic Chinese groups that have immigrated into Thailand: the Hakka, including the Shinawatra clan, the Hokkien, including Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Hailamese, including Sondhi Limtongkul, and the Teochiuw who have had the upper hand since King Taksin. Although the influence of the Chinese diaspora is evident in Thailand, it is surprising as Anderson recounts, that Thai-Chinese politicians numbered 78% of the last elected Parliament although they represent only 14% of the population of Thailand.

A very interesting read.

https://newleftreview.org/II/97/benedict-anderson-riddles-of-yellow-and-red

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