ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the patterns of comprehensive reorganisation. The key theme is that globalisation processes work to the particular advantage of Overseas Chinese entrepreneurs, who are able to call upon a mode of social organisation that allows them to seize or create transnational economic opportunities. Production and distribution of commodities is conceptualised as 'global commodity chains', and ownership and control of assets as 'embedded networks'. Producer-driven commodity chains refer to those industries or industry segments in which large, usually transnational, corporations play key roles in coordinating global production systems. The chapter shows that Thailand's present industrial structure reflects and continues to be shaped by its historical origins. The Crown Property Bureau is 'perhaps the wealthiest institution in Thailand' and is one of the foremost promoters of capitalism in Southeast Asia. At the end of 19th century, with patrimony still in full sway, the royal household and selected Chinese families established the first capitalist enterprises.
