ABSTRACT
The East Asian financial crisis was a turning point for the burgeoning campaign against neoliberal globalisation. In the 'globalisation with a human face' view of the world, civil society equates with liberalism, good governance, democracy and civilisation. Since the early 1970s, there has been a strong pro-democracy and human rights movement in Thailand and throughout the region. The human rights networks in Asia have been extremely important and effective regionally and internationally in keeping human rights issues on the international agenda. Some believe that financial and political institutions need to be reformed so that the former Asian tigers can once again compete effectively in the globalising economy. However, the relationship between the State and civil society in Asia has a history of conflict and repression. Antonio Gramsci's understanding of civil society as a political actor seems more useful and explanatory. In his view civil society is the primary locus for creating ideology, building consensus and legitimising power.
