Rat Niyom (Thai: รัฐนิยม) is a Thai term that translates literally to "state-ism," "state preference," or "popular state." It describes a political and social concept emphasizing the central role, authority, and often the moral righteousness of the state in national life.
While not a formally codified political ideology like socialism or liberalism, Rat Niyom represents a strong tendency in Thai political culture and history where the state, often personified by the government and its institutions, is seen as the primary agent of national development, order, and social welfare. It can imply a preference for strong centralized governance, state-led initiatives, and a degree of social conformity dictated or encouraged by state authority.
Historically, the concept has been prominent during periods of strong nationalist sentiment and government-led nation-building, such as under the premiership of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram in the mid-20th century, who issued a series of "State Conventions" or Ratthaniyom to guide citizens' behavior and promote national identity. In contemporary Thai discourse, Rat Niyom can refer to a general inclination towards statist solutions, top-down approaches to governance, or a public trust in the state's ability and right to guide society. It often stands in contrast to concepts of individual liberty or robust civil society independent of state influence.