Thailand's Labor and Employment Law: Balancing the Demands of a Newly Industrializing State
![handle is hein.journals/nwjilb13 and id is 406 raw text is: Thailand's Labor and Employment Law:
Balancing the Demands of a Newly
Industrializing State
W. Gary Vause*
Nikom Chandravithun **
I. INTRODUCTION: THE ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL CLIMATE FOR
LAW REFORM IN THAILAND
Thailand received international attention in 1992 as conflicts be-
tween the Thai military and civilian demonstrators led to a new focus on
political reform. In May 1992, a Bangkok population made restive by
the unpopular military takeover of February 1991 erupted in demonstra-
tions in the streets. When the military sought to quell the demonstra-
tions with force on May 18th, at least fifty-two people were killed,
launching a nationwide inquiry and reconsideration of the military's
role. 1
The military has long played a unique role in Thailand's political
economy, asserting itself when the civilian government has pursued do-
* Professor of Law and Director, Center for Dispute Resolution, Stetson University College of
Law. Appreciation is acknowledged for the research assistance provided by Attorney Susan
Woodard.
** Professor of Law, Thammasart University, Bangkok; LL.B., Thammasart University; Masters
Degrees, University of Chicago and University of Wisconsin; Deputy Director-General, Thailand
Department of Labor (1965-72); Director-General, Department of Labor, and member of the Thai-
land National Economic & Social Development Board, and National Research Council (1972-76);
member of the Thailand National Legislative Assembly (1972-1975); Senior Officer with the Interna-
tional Labor Office (1976-1983). Member of the Thai National Senate (1989-1991). Formerly labor
advisor to Prime Minister Chatichai Choonharan. Currently a senior partner and managing director
of Kanung and Partners International Law Offices in Bangkok, and advisor to the International
Labor Organization and Lao Government on labor matters.
I Raphad Pura, Thailand's May Crisis Didn't Damage Business Confidence in Nation's Future,
WALL ST. J., June 29, 1992, at B2B [hereinafter Pura].](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.journals/nwjilb13&div=22&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)
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Thailand's Labor and Employment Law: Balancing the Demands of a Newly Industrializing State
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