The Shadow of Indic Ideology in Political Power Expression in Contemporary Thailand.

Abstract

This article aims to study the expression of power by Indic ideology in the current Thai modern state through national and local ceremonies related to modern state leaders. To understand the meaning of power expression and the phenomena, the Theatre State theory introduced by Clifford Geertz, an anthropologist who observed the rituals in Bali, Indonesia, was applied in the analysis of this article. Based on his research and observation, he perceived the ritual which was not just a sacred ceremony but also a great drama scene that was able to transform the intangible concept of power into tangible reality. AlthoughThailand has changed the government and political structure since 1932, from a traditional state to a modern state, various ancient Indic rituals related to the leader are still practiced, mainly in order to improve the image of national and local political institutions.