The Transforming Isan: Politics and Governance in Northeast Thailand - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 981920822X ISBN 13: 9789819208227

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 2026

Synopsis

This open access book presents a comprehensive examination of the evolving political and administrative landscape in Thailand's northeastern region, also collectively referred to as Isan, amid contemporary global challenges. Key areas of investigation include economic corridor development along the Mekong region, transboundary water management politics, organizational practices in local institutions, indigenous knowledge in conflict resolution, sustainable development initiatives, and public sector reform. The analysis reveals how Isan navigates between great power competition while addressing critical environmental and socio-economic challenges. Drawing on extensive field research and theoretical frameworks, the book presents valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, development practitioners, and graduate students engaged in regional governance, political transformation, and sustainable development studies.

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Sanyarat Meesuwan is an Associate Professor at the College of Politics and Governance, Mahasarakham University in Thailand. She serves as Chief Editor of the Journal of Politics and Governance, which is indexed in the Thai Citation Index, enhancing scholarly discourse in the field.

Prof. Somchai Phatharathananunth is a distinguished scholar specializing in Northeast Thailand politics, social movements, and democratization. His extensive research focuses on civil society, political resistance, and rural transformations in Isan, making him one of the leading authorities on the region’s political dynamics.

Dr. Ome Chattranond serves as a lecturer in International Relations at the College of Politics and Governance, Mahasarakham University, Thailand since 2006. With a Ph.D. in Development Studies from the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, his research focuses on regional development, international cooperation, and the political economy of the Mekong subregion.

Asst. Prof. Cherngcharn Chongsomchai serves as Dean of the College of Politics and Governance at Mahasarakham University, bringing extensive experience in Thai local governance research and administration.

Assoc. Prof. Alongkorn Akkasang is a faculty member at the College of Politics and Governance, Mahasarakham University, with expertise in local governance and political research methodologies.

Asst. Prof. Chalermkiat Parawech is a faculty member at the College of Politics and Governance, Mahasarakham University, specializing in constitutional law, human rights, and Thai politics.

From the Back Cover

This open access book presents a comprehensive examination of the evolving political and administrative landscape in Thailand's northeastern region, also collectively referred to as Isan, amid contemporary global challenges. Key areas of investigation include economic corridor development along the Mekong region, transboundary water management politics, organizational practices in local institutions, indigenous knowledge in conflict resolution, sustainable development initiatives, and public sector reform. The analysis reveals how Isan navigates between great power competition while addressing critical environmental and socio-economic challenges. Drawing on extensive field research and theoretical frameworks, the book presents valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, development practitioners, and graduate students engaged in regional governance, political transformation, and sustainable development studies.

Dr. Sanyarat Meesuwan is an Associate Professor at the College of Politics and Governance, Mahasarakham University in Thailand. She serves as Chief Editor of the Journal of Politics and Governance, which is indexed in the Thai Citation Index, enhancing scholarly discourse in the field.

Prof. Somchai Phatharathananunth is a distinguished scholar specializing in Northeast Thailand politics, social movements, and democratization. His extensive research focuses on civil society, political resistance, and rural transformations in Isan, making him one of the leading authorities on the region’s political dynamics.

Dr. Ome Chattranond serves as a lecturer in International Relations at the College of Politics and Governance, Mahasarakham University, Thailand since 2006. With a Ph.D. in Development Studies from the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, his research focuses on regional development, international cooperation, and the political economy of the Mekong subregion.

Asst. Prof. Cherngcharn Chongsomchai serves as Dean of the College of Politics and Governance at Mahasarakham University, bringing extensive experience in Thai local governance research and administration.

Assoc. Prof. Alongkorn Akkasang is a faculty member at the College of Politics and Governance, Mahasarakham University, with expertise in local governance and political research methodologies.

Asst. Prof. Chalermkiat Parawech is a faculty member at the College of Politics and Governance, Mahasarakham University, specializing in constitutional law, human rights, and Thai politics.

Edition details

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 981920822X
• ISBN 13: 9789819208227
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 155
• Editor: Meesuwan Sanyarat, Phatharathananunth Somchai, Chattranond Ome, Chongsomchai Cherngcharn, Akkasang Alongkorn, Parawech Chalermkiat