Red-shirt heartland: Village-level socioeconomic change in northeast Thailand between 1999 and 2008

Abstract

n this article, we investigate the socioeconomic changes that took place on a village level in northeast Thailand during Thaksin Shinawatra's rule as prime minister of Thailand (2001–2006). By comparing data from 1999 and 2008, we show that most households in the research villages have become wealthier. The analysis reveals that household characteristics are not significant in explaining the increase in wealth but that the triggers for change have to be sought on a higher level. This does not necessarily mean that development was the result of measures taken by the Thai government during or before the Thaksin regime, the quick recovery of the Asian economy after 2001, or a combination of both. It, however, leads to an understanding of why so many people in northeast Thailand are still supporting Thaksin or a Thaksinite party up until today.