Thailand’s Economic and Social Development in the Modern Period: from Open Door Policy to Good Governance

Abstract

Background: There are the distinct factors affected the economic and social development
in Thailand in each period. The study of the historical background of the economic and social
development in Thailand is important for understanding its evolution. Furthermore, it provides the data and lesson learned for the present and the future.
Objective: The objectives of this study are to explain and demonstrate the economic and
social development in Thailand from the King Rama IV period of reign that Thailand has opened the door for Capitalism to the present period.
Results: The signif icant results elucidate the Thai economic and social development in the
modern period is effective in some aspects such as the GDP growth, the Thai people’s quality of life, the public health care. In the other hand, there are many problems remain come together with the development process such as the illiterate democracy, the environment and natural resources have been depleted and the environment degraded, the increasing of the income gaps etc.
Discussion and Conclusions: the sustainable development is necessary so we have to studies to propose the effective strategies for the economic and social development in Thailand. The rational choice development approach will be employed in the future.