On Social Class and Inequality in Contemporary Thai Society

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to investigate the existing social inequality and comprehend the disparities in opportunities among individuals in Thailand, viewed through the prism of class distinctions. The researchers employed the work of Jodhka, Rehbein, & Souza (2018) and Bourdieu’s notion of capital – encompassing economic, social, cultural, and symbolic aspects within the social sphere to analyze the structure of societal classes. The research methodology involved qualitative analysis of life-course interviews conducted with 72 key informants. The interview participants were diverse in terms of their genders, generations, geographical locations, and socio-economic statuses. The interviews delved into subjects' life histories, behavioral patterns, aspirations, dreams, and their perceptions of their current circumstances.

            The findings of the research revealed that the contemporary class structure in Thai society is a non-linear evolution and that it is heavily influenced by the intricate interplay of political-economic developments. The political regime and modern economic changes have led to the emergence of complex sub-classes. After dissecting case studies as seen through the lens of capital, five distinct classes were identified in contemporary Thailand: the marginalized, the struggler, the middle class, the stability, and the stability plus (stability +). Each class exhibited unique thought patterns regarding their roles and status changes in relation to their positions, as well as regarding how, and to what extent, they could access, accumulate, and transmit their capital; seize life opportunities; and sustain benefits over time. Although each class tends to perpetuate itself by efficiently managing and accumulating capital, the demarcation between classes is not rigid as individuals have the potential to ascend the social ladder, albeit within certain limitations. The upward mobility process is rooted in the accumulation of economic capital, specialized skills, education attainment, and specific vocational prospects. However, each class entails certain costs related to either sustaining their current position, or achieving upward mobility. There is also the gap between class divisions, both within and between classes, which allows the Thai patron-client system to function in every social class level.