However, because of Thailand’s less intensive assimilation into the market economy, and–for the majority of the population–a much lower level of direct dependence on the export of commodities generally, the adverse impacts of the recession were mitigated in Thailand. During the 1920s there was a movement against the monarchy. The absolute monarchy was increasingly criticized and depicted as a major barrier to Thailand’s development. The economic difficulties and recession during this period gave additional impetus to the movement against the absolute monarchy (Dixon 1999, 59-61).