A comprehensive, in-depth examination of the development and societal transformation of South East Asia which examines recent debates concerning the development of "Newly Industrializing Countries (NICs)" of South East Asia. It disusses variety of social change and inequality questions. It also provides a comparative interpretation of the changing political culture and economic influence by looking Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines. The work focuses on changes in labour market relations from a regulation perspective and state versus trade union approach, for example in Malaysia and Vietnam. It also offers a discussion of social welfare, inequalities and the rural question in Thailand as well as in other ASEAN countries.