On Reading Nakharin Mektrairat ’s academic work--Decoding his methodology and constructing body of knowledge of Thai socio-political history and Thai Politics

Abstract

As a political scientist and historian, Nakharin Mektrairat’s methodology and body of knowledge in Thai socio-political history and Thai politics are defined as “interdisciplinary” which combines humanities and social sciences’ research approaches. His (personal) life, academic and administrative work as well as changes in humanities and social sciences society since 1970s became the “context” that shapes his thought which affects his research methodology. Nakharin Mektrairat’s historical research approach adopts both historical methodology and social concepts, which is affected by four factors. The first factor is the influences from historical philosophy such as the Annales School, the New Left, the Cambridge School and the western social concept theory. The second factor is based on “critical Thai Studies” in Thai academic society since 1970s, which differed from the “mainstream”. The last factor is research common traditions of “Japanese-style Thai Study” which focuses on using historical evidence—"primary source” in particular. All factor which has been adapted for doing research. Meanwhile, Nakharin Mektrairat’s political research, relating to local government, decentralization, provincial authority, the Constitution, and political institutions, has adopted humanity methodology especially in his studies of historical background, changes, and historical development.