Taking into account the above features of existing studies, in what follows we
would like to limit our analysis to the process of emergence of the Thai middle
classes. Specifically, we intend first to analyze the mobility patterns of the middle
classes in the context of the Thai structure of stratification, and to examine whether
or not the homogeneity hypothesis is well founded. We will then proceed to analyze
the salient features of the social and political consciousness of each segment of the
middle classes.
II. THE PROCESS OF EMERGENCE OF THE THAI MIDDLE CLASSES
AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS
This section analyzes the structure of stratification in Bangkok, making use of the
findings of a social survey conducted by the Institute of Developing Economies in
1994 (hereafter the “1994 survey”).
8
Compared with the terminologies used in earlier discussions of the Thai “middle class,” the concept of the elite middle class corresponds to the upper white-collar stratum, while the lower middle strata consist of
firstly the old middle class (small proprietors of nonmanual or manual work), and
secondly the routine nonmanual employees (Table III). In geographical terms, the
analysis focuses primarily on metropolitan Bangkok, which is also the focus of most
discussions of the Thai “middle class.” In addition, we will occasionally refer to data
about the farmers of the Northeastern and Northern regions, Thailand’s traditionally
poor regions, so as to highlight the features of the social classes in Bangkok.