ABSTRACT
In the Thai context, a leader with status is important in attracting people to a movement, and retaining them. This sense of confidence in the leader’s ability to achieve provides a personal sense of well being for the individual member, as well as an individual’s belief in what the movement believes in, and stands for. A movement or group which is perceived to have gifted leadership will recruit and retain more successfully than a group which is perceived to have less able leadership yet better policies and aims. There is a degree of uncertainty about life in a culture which has no national health service and other government benefit schemes. The forging of relationships with people who can be of benefit take on a priority in the Thai context that is not found in the more secure British landscape.
