A major research enterprise which the network approach naturally orients us towards
involves understanding and elaborating how hidden political networks form, how they
accrue and maintain power, and what impact they have on the political process. Below,
one such network that has been a largely invisible player in the Thai political field called
the Sampran Forum (also known as the Rose Garden Hotel Group) will be detailed. Like
the Dusit 99, this network exhibited a fair degree of formalisation, meeting at a regular
time and place. However, distinct from the Dusit group, this network’s membership has
10 J. Harris
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organisational bases in the state bureaucracy, civil society, international organisations, and
has many ties to the media and political parties