A study of rapid capitalist development in Thailand and the rivalries generated not only between the older bureaucracy and the newer, rising entrepreneurial elite, but also between urban and rural entrepreneurs. Girling explores the classic problems associated with capitalism and democracy, the dangers and exhilaration of nationalist sentiment, the contradictions inherent in Thai development, and the rise of the middle class. His work is a fascinating reconsideration of problems that have faced many theorists.
