A Plastic Nation examines the immense role of Thai nationhood in domestic and international politics. Although in fact ill-defined, Thainess, or khwampenthai, has been consistently used by Thai leaders to legitimize their power and to defend their economic interests. Not only has the assertion of Thainess been deeply rooted in the private interests of those in power, but it has also been deployed as part of nationalist sentiment to guard against any international norms, often considered as threats to the leaders' own interests.  This book is intended for students and professors in the field of Thai nationhood and Thai nationalism, as well as contemporary Thai-Burmese relations. It is also intended for policy practitioners such as those in the government and military.