THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND: MONARCHY AS A FACTOR OF DEMOCRACY

B a c k g r o u n d. The main components of the transformation of the recently economically backward state of the Kingdom of Thailand into an advanced country in the Southeast Asian region are determined with the introduction of comparative analysis and prognostic methodology, taking into account the new geopolitical components of the current situation and the emergence of acute security challenges in the region. M e t h o d s. The study is implemented taking into account the theory and practice of political realism. For this purpose, dialectical methods of development and stagnation, quantity and quality, negation of negation, as well as systemic and comparative approaches are used, which in combination give a synergistic effect of the obtained research results. R e s u l t s. The conceptual foundations of the development of the Kingdom of Thailand are analyzed, such as theories of absolute monarchy, which place monarchical power at the forefront. In particular, both foreign policy tools and a system of diplomatic methods that enabled Thailand not only to preserve sovereignty and survive in long-term times of war, but also served as an impetus for the upward development of the state. The mandate system is characterized and the Thaiization policy is analyzed, which contributed to the disclosure of the mechanism for the implementation of monarchical power in a single alliance with juntas, unofficially supported by the monarchical power, as one might assume, with the aim of eradicating the ideas of democracy in society. Conclusions. The Kingdom of Thailand has occupied one of the leading places in political and economic development in the PSA region. It is proven that such success was achieved due to the deep social order of internal political relations of ethnic groups and social strata of the Thai multi-ethnic society. This is explained by deep patriotism, pro-monarchical principles of development of the country, in which the king is elevated to the divine level, and where any manifestation of disrespect for the monarchical power and monarchical persons is severely punished. Tracing the path of formation of the modern state of domestic politics, one also comes to the conclusion about the deep penetration into Thai culture and Thai worldview of the system of division of society into castes, similar to the Indian version. This is proved by the system of mandalas, the implemented policy of Thaiization, the military factor in the country's ruling elite.