ABSTRACT
Some analysis argues that the 1987–96 period saw the rise of new political thinking and motivations in Thailand through the shift of political power to a new class of political actors. These new actors are said to be qualitatively different from the political players of earlier periods. In contrast to the overwhelming venality of the past, which left voters apathetic and saw elite politicians held in disdain, the new generation is allegedly more committed to democracy, to the rule of law and the long-term needs of the country and people. Seen as most representative of this change is the overwhelming public rejection, heavily middle-class-based, of the government of non-elected Prime Minister General Suchinda Kraprayoon in May 1992 (see FEER and the Thai-language media, May–August 1992 period).
