Social and Economic Patterns of Landlord-Tenant Relationships in the Chao Phraya Delta, Thailand: An Historical Perspective
Author(s)
Molle, Francois
Abstract
This article focuses on the evolution of the landlord-tenant relationships in Southeast Asia over the course of time, from the dramatic developments in peasant agriculture in the late 19th century, to the ascent of capitalism and globalization. The first section discusses the diversity of rental contracts and identifies the main parameters that account for such a diversity, as well as variations over time and location. It is followed by a quantitative longitudinal analysis of real rents (using both historical secondary data and village studies) to highlight a historical declining trend. Finally, the article attempts to periodise the changing balance of power between landowners and tenants and to show that the overall picture is more balanced than commonly assumed.
