バンコクの経済成長とバンコク近郊における資本家形成 : ナコーンパトム県及びラーチャブリー県の事例

Abstract

In Thailand, capitalists-here considered as the driving force of capitalism-consist mainly of Chinese immigrants and their descendants. Since their network is centered in Bangkok, the domination of Bangkok marks Thailand's economic growth. Even before the introduction of industrialization policy in the 1960s, Chinese had established industries both in Bangkok and in the provinces. This paper examines the formation of capitalists in Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi, based on a survey I carried out for several months in 1988 and 1989. First, I analyze certain characteristics of Chinese capitalists and industries in these areas. I then define two types of capitalists : Bangkok-based and regionally-based ones. Bangkok-based capitalists are of the greater importance because of their rich entrepreneurship and their contribution to economic growth. They are concentrated in the Saamphraan district of Nakhon Pathom, a neighboring district of Bangkok. Some of them have acquired enough strength to compete with foreign companies both in the domestic Thai market and in the international market. This is the case in the textile industry. A crucial question for the Thai economy is whether 'native' Thai-Chinese capitalists can continue to compete successfully with foreign capital. I believe that this is possible at present only for the Bangkok-based capitalists, who will thereby continue to play a leading role in Thailand's economic development.