ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the degree to which understanding the patriarchal/self-reliance nexus within regulatory character can enliven an understanding of the reforms following Kader. It focuses on the ‘group’ dimension of regulatory character. The exploration of self-reliance follows a similar pattern and rounds out the ‘group’ interactions of Thai regulatory character. The chapter outlines the dominant relationship within Thai regulatory character, that between patriarchy and self-reliance. It reveals many examples of control under strategic patriarchal authority that undermined reform. Regulatory character, if it is to be a useful concept, should provide a means for understanding the significance of change, or lack of change, within the Kader reforms. Waradom’s personal story is an accessible beginning point for understanding patriarchalism within Thai regulatory character. The long-term impact of disasters in improving safety conditions then also became influenced by the short-term dictates of self-reliance.
